The Government of Jamaica has reaffirmed its deep appreciation for the strong and enduring ties shared with the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

This sentiment was expressed by Alando Terrelonge, minister of state in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, during a reception commemorating the 76th anniversary of the founding of the East Asian superpower, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston on September 25.

“Our friendship has, without doubt, withstood the test of time,” Terrelonge said, as he reflected on the historic establishment of diplomatic relations between Jamaica and China in 1972.

“The bond we have formed is built on shared values, mutual trust, and cooperation at all levels—evidenced by the elevation of our relationship to a strategic partnership in 2019,” he added.

The state minister further noted that over the years, China has remained a trusted and reliable partner to Jamaica, providing critical support across key sectors such as health, sports, education, capacity building, and infrastructure development.

“China has contributed in real, tangible ways to the growth and development of our country,” he maintained.

Terrelonge noted that major national projects—including the Western Children and Adolescent Hospital in Montego Bay, the Montego Bay Perimeter Road, and the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project—have all benefitted from China’s meaningful contributions.

He also highlighted China’s contributions to Jamaica’s education sector, noting that hundreds of Jamaican nationals continue to benefit annually from Chinese scholarships and training opportunities.

“As a government, we continue to ensure and look forward to more prosperous building of our society, where our citizens are equipped to realise their fullest potential. To that end, we value the continued support of the Chinese government towards the fulfilment of Jamaica’s developmental goals,” the state minister added.

In his remarks, Chinese Ambassador Jinfeng Wang reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Jamaica, emphasising that the partnership is anchored in mutual respect and shared benefits.

“China stands ready to work with the new Government in Jamaica to consolidate political mutual trust, deepen pragmatic cooperation, enhance people-to-people exchanges and strengthen coordination on international and regional affairs,” he stated.

Ambassador Wang, the 17th Chinese envoy to Jamaica, was officially accredited following the recent presentation of his credentials to Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen.

The diplomat expressed his readiness to work closely with the Government of Jamaica, affirming that China will intensify its efforts to advance bilateral relations towards greater mutual benefits and win-win outcomes.

He highlighted Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness’ official visit to China in 2019 as a pivotal moment in the China–Jamaica relationship.

During that visit, Jamaica established a strategic partnership with China and formally joined the Belt and Road cooperation initiative—milestones that underscore the strength and depth of bilateral ties.

Ambassador Wang noted that Jamaica’s participation in the initiative has delivered tangible benefits to the Jamaican people, including increased employment, improved income levels, and enhanced connectivity.

He maintained that China’s cooperation with Jamaica continues to yield fruitful outcomes.

“Projects such as the North-South Highway and the Chinese Garden in the Hope Gardens made a marked contribution to Jamaica’s economy and local people’s daily lives. They enhanced the landscape of nature and reshaped the course of development,” the diplomat stated.

He pledged to help elevate the China–Jamaica strategic partnership to new heights, grounded in shared development goals and enduring cooperation.

Ambassador Wang noted that the countries’ diplomatic relations has been marked by 53 years of sustained cooperation, mutual respect, and goodwill.

“Currently, the China-Jamaica relationship is moving forward in sound and stable momentum, while strengthening all levels of exchanges and pragmatic cooperation,” he maintained.

Meanwhile, Terrelonge congratulated Ambassador Wang on his recent appointment and commended the enthusiasm with which he has commenced his tenure in Jamaica.

He also extended heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China as they celebrated the historic milestone of the 76th anniversary of the founding of their republic.

“Since the birth of the nation, China has emerged from the ruins of war to become a global powerhouse and a friend of Jamaica,” Terrelonge stated.