ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Prime Minister Gaston Browne says “powerful countries,” including the United States, should take a cue from China in dealing with small, vulnerable countries, as he praised the Asian country for its ongoing relationship with Antigua and Barbuda.
Browne, speaking at a ceremony marking the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Horse, on Sunday night, said that the geopolitical shifts in this hemisphere have intimidated countries.
“I think it is an example of how powerful countries should treat small, vulnerable countries. China is not intimidating us; it has never made any demands on Antigua and Barbuda that are not in our self-interest.
“You would also recognize that, above and beyond the cooperation that is taking place at the governmental level, they are also enhancing people-to-people exchanges. For example, nearly 300 Antiguans and Barbudans have been allowed to travel to China to experience the Chinese culture and to seek to have a formal cultural integration and diversity,” Prime Minister Browne told the ceremony that was also attended by Governor General, Sir Rodney Williams.
Browne said that China remains ‘very respectful’ of Antigua and Barbuda as a sovereign country despite the differences in size, adding, “I think this is a good example of how countries, including the United States, should treat small vulnerable countries.
“China does not have any restrictions on Antigua and Barbuda, not even visa restrictions, as we now have visa-free access to China. China does not have any sanctions on Antigua and Barbuda, and I think this is how small and large countries should cooperate,” he added.
Prime Minister Browne said that, given the current frosty nature of the relationship between the countries, he would not be surprised if, sometime in the future, Antigua and Barbuda is called upon to distance itself from China.
“I say to you, this must not happen. We must continue to stand with China; if not out of gratitude, then in the interest of international cooperation,” he said, adding that he is also mindful that there are constant shifts in the international relationship and nations fall in and out of favour from time to time.
“What happens if we choose sides and then the parties become friends again? We would be left out in the cold,” Prime Minister Browne said, reiterating that Antigua and Barbuda’s foreign policy mantra is “Friends of all, enemies of none”.
In his remarks, the Governor General spoke of the enduring relationship between the two nations, built on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared aspirations for development, prosperity, and friendship.
“Antigua and Barbuda values its friendship with the People’s Republic of China highly. We appreciate the many areas of cooperation that have strengthened our ties over the years, in infrastructure, education, health, culture, and people-to-people exchange,” he said.
Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene described the friendship between the two countries as a bridge across the vast Pacific, connecting citizens here with their Chinese counterparts in the common pursuit of development and dignity.
“We reflect with profound gratitude. The generosity of the Chinese people, mirrored in tangible cooperation, has been a catalyst for social and economic advancement across our Antiguan and Barbudan society.
“From empowering infrastructure that connects our communities, to investments in human capital and cultural dialogue, this partnership is a cornerstone of our progress. For this steadfast collaboration, we offer our deepest and most abiding appreciation,” Greene stated.
Chinese Ambassador Jiang Wei told the ceremony that last year, cooperation between China and Antigua and Barbuda had deepened.
“Chinese float was showcased in Carnival’s parade. Agricultural experts cultivated delicious fruits and vegetables. Booby Alley Housing Project has taken shape. Nearly 300 people from Antigua and Barbuda went to China for training, and the beautiful beaches in Antigua and Barbuda have attracted more and more Chinese tourists.
“We are deeply impressed by the long-standing friendship between China and Antigua and Barbuda, and proud of the achievements of this bilateral relationship,” the diplomat said.
President of the Chinese Association of Antigua and Barbuda, Li Yucheng, who has lived in Antigua and Barbuda for more than 30 years, said he has witnessed the relationship between Antigua and Barbuda grow stronger with each passing year.
“Because of that relationship, we have seen the Big Creek Bridge, the Multi-Purpose Cultural Centre, the new terminal at the VC Bird International Airport, and the recent developments at the St. John’s Harbour. We also have visa-free travel. I am happy to see all those developments.”
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