Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Barbados, Zheng Binkhai, says China will continue to support Barbados as the “political trust” between the two countries, developed over 48 years of a diplomatic relationship, “continues to deepen”.
Addressing Barbados’ President The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, parliamentarians and other guests at a reception hosted at Hilton Barbados recently in celebration of the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Zheng said the deep bond between China and Barbados “transcends geography”, evidenced by a bilateral relationship in which the two countries “have been carrying out fruitful co-operation in areas such as the economy, trade, culture, education and health care”.
“Over the past year, our two countries have continued to support each other on issues concerning our respective core interests and major concerns,” he said, while also noting that exchanges between each other’s governments, legislatures and political parties “have remained close, further enhancing mutual understanding on governance and development”.
According to the Chinese envoy, China “has leapt into the world’s second largest economy, with a GDP expected to reach “about nine and a half trillion dollars in 2025”.
“Today’s China, with growing comprehensive national strength, is taking on the role of a responsible major country. We are committed to the international community’s shared aspiration for peace and development, bringing stability and certainty to the world and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.”
He alluded to the current global situation with rising tariffs and gave the assurance that “China remains firmly committed to the principles of respect, equality and mutual benefits and will resolutely safeguard . . . the multilateral trading rules and the common good of the international community.
“We stand ready to work with all parties to jointly uphold the multilateral trading system and advance inclusive and beneficial economic globalisation,” he said.
In a response delivered on behalf of Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kerrie Symmonds, who are both out of the island on official business, Acting Prime Minister Dr William Duguid acknowledged China’s “tremendous strides in economic growth, technological advancement and social development”.
He expressed appreciation for “China’s generous support” for Barbados in projects such as the redevelopment of the National Stadium; its contribution in the health sector and in agriculture, with the construction of the Barbados Institute of Food and Agriculture which is nearing completion at the Hope Plantation in St Lucy.
The evening was capped off with a stunning display of Chinese martial arts, juggling and dance.
