Some relationships between nations emerge from circumstance. Others arise from economic interests or temporary diplomatic affinities. Yet there are also relationships that transcend time, geographical distance, political change, and even generations. The friendship between Bolivia and the People's Republic of China is one of them.
For those of us in the Revolutionary Left Front (FRI), this bond is especially meaningful. Founded in 1978 by Óscar Zamora Medinaceli, the FRI embraced an identity inspired by the revolutionary currents of the era, maintaining close ties to Maoist thought and MarxistLeninist principles while fostering political and fraternal relations with the People's Republic of China. That relationship was never purely ideological—it grew through political dialogue and mutual understanding between two peoples who, though geographically apart, shared aspirations for social transformation, sovereignty, and development.
Our founder, Óscar Zamora Medinaceli, had the honour of fostering and strengthening extraordinary political relations between Bolivia and China.Many historic photographs of that era now rest in the archives of the Communist Party of China in Beijing—silent witnesses to bridges built between our nations.
True bonds transcend seas, skies, and lands. And when they are built upon trust and respect, they transcend generations as well.
I grew up surrounded by political life. From an early age, I was immersed in meetings, debates, decisions, campaigns, comrades, leaders, and grassroots activists. Amid all that activity, there was one idea that was always present: China was a friend.For many years, I understood that notion simply as a recurring reference in family conversations. With time, however, I came to understand its deeper meaning.
My grandfather devoted his life to public service as a Senator, President of the Senate, Mayor elected for several terms, Governor, Minister of Labor, Constituent Assembly Member, and Ambassador of Bolivia to China. Beyond these titles, he left a lasting lesson: the importance of sincere friendship between peoples and the power of international cooperation for development. Nearly two decades ago, I visited him in Beijing, an experience that ignited my admiration for China’s history, culture, and extraordinary progress. My mother, who also served as Senator, Municipal Councilwoman, and political representative of our party, likewise visited China; the lessons she gained later shaped her vision of leadership and public service, proving that people‑to‑people exchange leaves indelible marks.
After my grandfather's passing, those historic ties paused, but never faded. When I assumed the position of National Vice President of the FRI, I felt a deep conviction to reconnect those historic bridges and once again strengthen the spaces for dialogue and cooperation with our friends in China.It was then that I discovered something that profoundly characterizes the Chinese people: friends are remembered.China knows how to welcome its friends.China welcomes its friends with open institutions, open cities, and above all, open hearts—honoring bonds built on sincerity.This commitment to preserving friendship is perhaps one of the most admirable values I have encountered.
Recently, I had the honor of receiving an invitation from the Political Attaché of the Chinese Embassy in Bolivia to participate in a seminar in Qingdao and Shanghai. This experience reaffirmed that our ties are growing stronger through mutual respect, shared learning, and cooperation. I witnessed once again China’s discipline, strategic vision, and dedication to development. Equally important, the deep value it places on human relationships and cross-cultural understanding.In this context, China’s vision of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind-rooted in mutual respect and shared benefits-takes on special significance. Strengthening Bolivia-China ties is not merely about honoring a friendship built over decades; It also means embracing a shared future where cooperation, knowledge, and mutual understanding continue to bring us closer.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Mr. Wang Jiali, Director General for Latin America and the Caribbean of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China; to former Chinese Ambassador to Bolivia Mr. Zhang Tuo; and to his esteemed wife, Mrs. Lili, for their enduring friendship and affection toward our country.I also wish to acknowledge the extraordinary hospitality of Mr. Sun Guangwei, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Shandong Foreign Trade Vocational College; Ms. Liu Min, President of the institution; and our dear friend Li Chuanshuai and his team, whose professionalism, warmth, and academic excellence made this experience truly unforgettable.
Today, the world is experiencing a period of uncertainty and transformation.International relations must be built upon mutual respect, cooperation, and understanding among nations. Bolivia and China have much to share and even more to build—in education, technology, trade, infrastructure, innovation, and cultural exchange. The new generation must not only preserve inherited bonds but also expand them for the future. For truly meaningful relationships are measured not by agreements or statistics, but by trust between people, shared memories, and the willingness to walk together toward a common horizon.
The history of friendship between the Revolutionary Left Front and the People's Republic of China is part of that legacy.
A legacy born decades ago, one that has endured the passage of time and is now flourishing once again with renewed strength.
A legacy that no longer belongs to just one generation.
It belongs to all those who will come after us.
