Beijing on Monday welcomed Latin American and Caribbean leaders and officials, as it pushes for a united front against US President Donald Trump's recent maelstrom of tariffs.

China has stepped up economic and political cooperation with Latin American nations in recent years, with two-thirds of Latin American countries having joined the Belt and Road initiative (BRI).

The nation has surpassed the US as the biggest trading partner of Brazil, Peru and Chile, among others.

The forum between China and the 33-member Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) is due to formally begin on Tuesday.

A notable attendee is Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who arrived in Beijing on Saturday for a five-day state visit.

Lula has sought to improve ties with both China and the US since returning to power in early 2023.

On Monday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, Venezuela's Yvan Gil, Peru's Elmer Schialer and Uruguay's Mario Lubetkin for talks in the capital.

Other expected participants in the forum include Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Chilean President Gabriel Boric.

Petro said last week that he would sign a "letter of intent" to join the BRI when he meets President Xi Jinping in the coming days.

Xi will address the summit at its opening ceremony on Tuesday, according to the Foreign Ministry.

The ministry also pointed out that the nation stands ready to take the meeting as an opportunity to discuss development plans with CELAC countries, Xinhua News Agency said, adding it also looks to address global challenges, promote global governance reform and safeguard world peace and stability. (AFP)