By Admin. Updated 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Barbados has reaffirmed its commitment to its strong relations with the People’s Republic of China while expressing appreciation for China’s continued support in areas including public transport, healthcare and infrastructure, during celebrations marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
The anniversary reception was held on Monday evening at Las Palmas in Barbados, where Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Chen Chen, outlined Beijing’s development priorities and its vision for stronger ties with Caribbean nations.
In his address, Chen reflected on China’s economic transformation over the past several decades, describing the country as having grown from widespread poverty into the world’s second-largest economy. He said China remains focused on high-quality development under its 15th Five-Year Plan, highlighting advances in high-end manufacturing, the digital economy and modern services.
He also said China would continue pursuing greater openness despite growing global uncertainty, pointing to expanded market access and increased imports as evidence of its commitment to international trade and cooperation.
Addressing foreign policy, Chen reiterated Beijing’s position that the Taiwan question is an internal matter and reaffirmed the Chinese government’s stance that there is only one China.
He said the one-China principle remains the political foundation of China’s diplomatic relations with other countries.
Looking ahead, Chen said China intends to deepen cooperation with Caribbean nations through what he described as mutual respect, equality and shared development, while working together to address global challenges.
Speaking on behalf of the Government of Barbados, Senior Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Christopher Sinckler reaffirmed Barbados’ friendly cooperative and long-standing relationship between the two countries.
Sinckler thanked China for its continued assistance to Barbados, including the donation of 30 electric buses, bringing the island’s fleet to 89 — the largest electric bus fleet in the Caribbean.
He said the initiative supports Barbados’ ambition to transition from a fossil fuel-dependent economy to one powered by renewable energy, with a long-term vision of becoming fully clean-energy based.
He also acknowledged China’s contributions to the country’s healthcare sector, including medical brigades, specialised equipment and support for the introduction of new coronary care technology. According to Sinckler, those efforts have benefited thousands of Barbadians, including through more than 200 medical procedures.
The minister further pointed to the construction of a new national stadium as another symbol of the enduring partnership between Barbados and China.
The reception formed part of China’s annual National Day observances and brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and invited guests to celebrate diplomatic and development cooperation between China, Barbados and the wider Caribbean.
Barbados and China are celebrating 49 years of diplomatic relations.
END
