Tiffany Holman (Beijing)

In a recent meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in China, the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs Director General Mr. Cai Wei, hosted a session with discussion on Caribbean affairs.

Cai Wei declared, “Throughout the history of The People’s Republic of China, we have been able to forge our own path which might set an example for other countries. We are more than willing to share our experiences with the rest of the developing world.”

Cai spoke about the need to develop a closer relationship between China and the Caribbean and ways in which we can move forward with succession, spiritual modernisation and ecological stability. He noted that materialistic things and uncivilized behaviours do not equal to modernisation, it is the mindset of people and creating an ecological balance and stability that makes the difference in becoming a modernised society. 

The China-Caribbean Development Center, inaugurated in Jinan China in 2022, was established with the aim of strengthening the bond between the Caribbean and China. It has made successful strides with countries such as Guyana and other nations prior to the inauguration. 

Jamaica, Cai said is loved for its coffee, reggae music, culture and is a part of the Belt and Road Initiative. It has made significant progress. 

Cai spoke of the bankruptcy of Silicon Valley Bank and the need and significance of a stable economy that is not limited to just poverty alleviation. China is a growing and developing nation and most recently, had Covid-19 restrictions which are now lifted. The country has seen significant growth and welcomes foreign guests. Most recently, President Xi Jinping welcomed Brazilian President Lula da Silva, who came on a state visit to China. 

Cai spoke about plans for helping Guyana with agriculture as the climate is agreeable and expressed interest in the oil and gas industry there including Trinidad and Tobago. As it relates to Barbados and mutual cooperation,  China has several initiatives not limited to just infrastructure but including wind and solar energies. He believes that developing countries should help others particularly if in the financial position to do so. China is prepared to help Grenada with disaster relief due to hurricanes and other climatic events.

China is big on climate change and is concerned about how it will impact the Caribbean.  Cai says China stands ready to try and help in finding carbon neutral solutions. 

Cai went on to recall the 2008 Summer Olympic Games which was a memorable moment where the 100 m dash placed Jamaica in the spotlight and now the national flag is widely recognized.  The then Ambassador went on to talk about  Jamaican culture, reggae music and the country’s national dish. He noted Trinidad’s world famous carnival festivities and Grenada’s improving tourism offerings and medical training facilities… He sees the China-Caribbean Development Center as a bridge between the two regions, fostering greater cooperation.

He also sees great potential in tourism between China and the Caribbean, with visitors from the region coming to China and Chinese visitors exploring what the Caribbean has to offer. Creating a more personable cultural experiences for both China and Jamaica Prior to the Covid-19 lockdown, there were plans to have cultural exchanges for athletes in Jamaica which may come to fruition in the future. 

Cai stressed that China will not be signing any unequal treaties with Caribbean countries and contrary to much talk, is not attempting to deplete those countries of their resources. The goal is to uphold peaceful development and pursue a shared future. He added that in Chinese culture, one is taught how to fish in order to be better self-sufficient as opposed to just giving one a fish.