The long-standing relationship between Jamaica and the People’s Republic of China marked another significant milestone on Thursday as the Chinese Navy’s hospital ship, Ark Silk Road, docked in Montego Bay to begin a humanitarian medical mission.

Chinese Ambassador to Jamaica Wang Jinfeng, in welcoming the vessel, described the visit as a powerful symbol of friendship, solidarity, and China’s commitment to supporting Jamaica—especially in the aftermath of the devastating Category 5 Hurricane Melissa.

 “I am pleased to welcome the Chinese Navy hospital ship Ark Silk Road to visit Jamaica,” the Ambassador said, noting that the two nations share a bond that “stretch back through decades”, with foundations of exchange “as early as in the 16th century” when the Nao de China, or “Ships of China,” traversed the Pacific “laden with friendship”.

Ambassador Wang highlighted that this is not the first time a Chinese naval medical ship has visited Jamaica. In 2011, the Peace Ark served 1,540 Jamaican patients, a mission warmly embraced by local communities.

“Fourteen years later, we once again witnessed the visit of a Chinese Navy hospital ship to Jamaica. This fully demonstrates the solid strategic partnership between China and Jamaica and the deep friendship between the two peoples,” he said.

More than 100 medical professionals aboard the Ark Silk Road will deliver free, high-quality humanitarian services to residents affected by the hurricane.

 “The Chinese are known for keeping their word and acting with resolve,” Ambassador Wang noted. “Today, over 100 medical personnel aboard the hospital ship have travelled thousands of miles to Montego Bay, ready to provide high-quality humanitarian medical services to the people in the disaster-affected part of Jamaica.”

The Ambassador reiterated China’s solidarity following the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Melissa on Tuesday, October 28.

“Sharing Jamaica’s pain, China extended its deep condolences and sincere sympathies,” he said, adding that President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi each sent official messages to their Jamaican counterparts.

China has also increased its tangible assistance. 

“It is worth noting that the Government of China officially handed over US$2 million of grant assistance to the Government of Jamaica yesterday,” Wang stated.

He added that China is providing US$2.1 million in humanitarian relief supplies, including instant food, lighting equipment, tents, prefabricated houses, garbage trucks, water trucks, tanks, diesel generators, and construction equipment. The first shipment has already been delivered to ODPEM and the JDF.

 “It is our sincere hope that China’s genuine assistance will make a meaningful contribution to Jamaica’s disaster relief and reconstruction efforts,” the ambassador emphasised.

In expressing appreciation for Jamaica’s cooperation, Ambassador Wang offered special thanks to Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton and his team “for your outstanding and effective efforts in facilitating this visit of the hospital ship”.

Despite the challenges brought by the hurricane, the Ambassador stressed the strength of the bilateral relationship.

“While the hurricane spares no one, our resilience and solidarity shine through. China and Jamaica are friends who treat each other with sincerity, brothers who stand together through thick and thin, and partners who cooperate for mutual progress.”