By Carlisle Jno Baptiste
Chinese Ambassador to Dominica Chu Maoming states that China and Latin American Countries (LAC) stand shoulder to shoulder and support each other.
At a recently held press briefing, Ambassador Chu Maoming explained that LAC countries that have diplomatic ties with China have been consistently committed to “the one-China principle, and China firmly supports LAC countries in pursuing development paths suited to their national conditions, safeguarding sovereignty and independence, and opposing external interference.”
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica has consistently and firmly adhered to the One-China principle. The fact that there is but one China has become a broad consensus across various sectors of the international community,” Ambassador Chu Maoming stated.
“In March last year, during his meeting with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, President Xi expressed his appreciation for Dominica’s longstanding support. He also reaffirmed China’s firm commitment to supporting Dominica’s independence and development, as well as its support for the country’s efforts to safeguard its core interests and major concerns.”
China, he stated, and LAC countries “ride the tide of progress together to pursue win-win cooperation”.
According to him, embracing the trend of economic globalization, the two sides have deepened cooperation in trade, investment, finance, science and technology, infrastructure, and many other fields, and carried out high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, practical cooperation has consistently served as a vital pillar of China–Dominica relations.
“In 2018, Dominica officially joined the Belt and Road Initiative, ushering in a new phase of accelerated cooperation between our two countries. Guided by the shared goal of delivering tangible benefits to the people, we have jointly implemented a number of key livelihood projects. Landmarks such as the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital, Windsor Park Sports Stadium, and the West Coast Road stand as symbols of our fruitful collaboration. Moreover, the services provided by the Chinese medical teams and agricultural experts in Dominica have become an integral part of local life and development, contributing directly to the well-being and prosperity of the Dominican people,” the Ambassador posited.
On the issue of “development programme”, he explained thatit aims to promote common prosperity and is “of paramount importance”.
“The two sides should foster greater synergy between their development strategies, bolster cooperation in such areas as infrastructure, agriculture and food, energy and minerals, clean energy, 5G telecommunications, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence, and jointly implement the Global Development Initiative. China and Dominica will resolutely uphold the multilateral trading system, ensure stable, unimpeded global industrial and supply chains, and promote an international environment of openness and cooperation,” he said.
“Under the Belt and Road framework, both sides will continue to deepen practical cooperation. We look forward to the early opening of the new international airport, the sounds of students returning to post-hurricane reconstruction schools, and the launch of more flagship projects symbolizing China-Dominica cooperation. At the same time, we also welcome more capable Chinese enterprises to invest and operate in Dominica, injecting fresh vitality into the country’s economic development”.
Under “the Civilization Programme,” he explained that both sides aim to deepen mutual learning between civilizations.
“The diversity of civilizations is what makes the world as it should be. China will work with Dominica to implement the Global Civilization Initiative. We will uphold the vision of equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness between civilizations, and champion humanity’s common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom. We will continue to work closely with Dominica to deepen exchanges and cooperation in the fields of culture and the arts. In the future, we will welcome more Chinese cultural and arts troupes to Dominica for joint performances with local artists, showcasing our vibrant cultures and strengthening enduring ties between our peoples”.
Ambassador Chu Maoming also spoke about “the Peace Programme” that aims to promote regional stability, stating that both China and LAC countries share a commitment to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. China will work with Dominica to implement the Global Security Initiative. The two sides, he stated, will cooperate more closely in disaster governance, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, anti-corruption, narcotics control, and combating transnational organized crime to safeguard security and stability in the region.
On the issues of “People-to-People Connectivity Programme,” he explained that the aim is to promote people-to-people friendship. “China-LAC cooperation originates from the people’s expectations, meets the people’s needs, and benefits the people’s well-being. In the next three years, China will provide CELAC member states with 3,500 government scholarships, 10,000 training opportunities in China, 500 International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarships, 300 training opportunities for poverty reduction professionals, and 1,000 funded placements through the Chinese Bridge programme.
China, he stated, will initiate 300 “small yet smart” livelihood projects, actively promote vocational education cooperation programs such as the Luban Workshop, and support CELAC member states in developing Chinese language education. “Already, many Dominican students and professionals have benefited from such programs, pursuing studies and training in China. Chinese-aided playground equipment and sports gear have also brought joy to local communities. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with Dominica to maximize these opportunities,” he remarked.
He also spoke of the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum that was successfully held in Beijing with President Xi Jinping delivering the keynote speech at the opening ceremony. The meeting was attended by Colombian President and the current CELAC President Gustavo Petro, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Chilean President Gabriel Boric, and President of the New Development Bank Dilma Rousseff also delivered addresses. President Yamandú Orsi of Uruguay, the incoming CELAC President, sent a congratulatory message. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi moderated the plenary meeting. Twenty-eight LAC countries, 6 regional organizations, and over 50 ministerial officials attended the meeting in China, including Dominica’s Foreign Affairs Minister Vince Henderson.
The meeting adopted the Beijing Declaration and the China-CELAC Joint Action Plan for Cooperation in Key Areas (2025-2027), and also reached more than 100 three-year cooperation projects. China announced 20 measures to support LAC countries’ development. On the 10th anniversary of the official launch of the China-CELAC Forum, this meeting has sent the voice of China and CELAC jointly meeting challenges through solidarity and coordination.