On October 9, former President of Ecuador, Dr. Guillermo Lasso, visited Tsinghua University and delivered a lecture titled “Ecuador and China: The Success of Presidential Diplomacy” in Room 407 of the New Hydraulic Building. The event, organized by Tsinghua University’s Latin America Center, was attended by Professor Chen Taotao, Director of the Latin America Center; Fu Xudong, Party Secretary of the School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering; Xu Shicheng, an Honorary Member of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and researcher at the Institute of Latin American Studies; Zhang Runzhou, Deputy Director of the Center for Global Competence Development; and representatives from the Beijing Friendship Association.
Event Photo
In his opening remarks, Fu Xudong welcomed Dr. Lasso and his delegation, highlighting the unique cultural ties and longstanding friendship between China and Ecuador. He noted the positive social and economic impacts of joint projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, including Ecuador’s Santa Elena Water Project and the Chongón Irrigation Project. Fu shared Tsinghua’s commitment to global water management education, noting the school’s efforts to train talent through international forums and overseas exchanges. Tsinghua’s School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering previously sent two teams to Ecuador in 2018 and 2019 for field research, fostering a deeper appreciation for Ecuadorian water engineering among students. Fu expressed hopes that more young students would become ambassadors of China-Ecuador relations, practitioners in engineering collaborations, and pioneers in building a China-Latin America community of shared future.
Fu Xudong Delivers Opening Remarks
Dr. Lasso then delivered a keynote speech titled “Ecuador and China: The Success of Presidential Diplomacy,” first congratulating China on its 75th anniversary and acknowledging its remarkable achievements. He noted that China’s development offers valuable partnership opportunities for countries worldwide and sets a meaningful example for global governance. Lasso praised Tsinghua University for its academic excellence and scientific rigor, adding that he looked forward to engaging with students and researchers to deepen China-Ecuador relations.
In his talk, Lasso drew on insights from his term as president and his new book 900 Days: Democracy and Achievements. He discussed Ecuador’s efforts in economic development, foreign relations, poverty alleviation, environmental protection, and pandemic response, as well as the challenges the country still faces. Reflecting on the history of China-Ecuador relations, he expressed gratitude for China’s support and shared his hopes for the upcoming 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Dr. Guillermo Lasso Delivers Keynote Speech
Following the speech, Xu Shicheng, researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, shared reflections on 900 Days: Democracy and Achievements, calling it a comprehensive portrayal of Ecuador’s advancements and an objective analysis of its challenges. Xu praised Lasso for his international perspective and insightful leadership.
Xu Shicheng Shares Reflections
Over 100 students from across Tsinghua’s schools attended the event. In the Q&A session, students from the School of Public Policy and Management, the PBC School of Finance, and the School of Medicine, along with international students from Ecuador and Iran, posed questions on Ecuador’s domestic policies, China-Ecuador relations, and the role of youth in global governance. Lasso responded thoughtfully, drawing on his experiences to engage in a lively and meaningful dialogue.
Q&A Session
In closing, Professor Chen Taotao expressed gratitude to Dr. Lasso for his enlightening presentation, which brought China and Ecuador closer through a range of engaging examples. Chen also thanked Xu Shicheng for his comments and congratulated Lasso on the release of his new book, noting her appreciation for the students’ enthusiasm for Latin American issues.
After the event, Fu Xudong and Chen Taotao presented Dr. Lasso with commemorative gifts.
Chen Taotao Delivers Closing Remarks
Born on November 16, 1956, in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Guillermo Lasso is a politician and banker who served as Ecuador’s president after winning the election in April 2021. During his presidency, he actively promoted Ecuador-China cooperation, underscoring the strong relationship between the two nations. In February 2022, Lasso attended the Beijing Winter Olympics at President Xi Jinping’s invitation, where the two leaders reached a consensus on enhancing the China-Ecuador comprehensive strategic partnership. Under Lasso’s leadership, Ecuador and China signed a free trade agreement on May 11, 2023, which came into effect on May 1, 2024.
