by H E Yang Shu, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Grenada
Last May, President Xi Jinping announced the launch of 4 programmes at the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China–CELAC Forum: the Solidarity Programme, Development Programme, Civilisation Programme, Peace Programme, and People-to-People Programme.
As we approach the first anniversary of the launch of the 5 programmes, they have further consolidated our political foundation, advanced shared prosperity, deepened mutual learning among civilisations, safeguarded regional stability, and strengthened the bonds between our peoples. These concrete strides have charted a clear course toward building a China–LAC community with a shared future.
The Solidarity Programme: Trust that holds, ties that last. Solidarity in the partnership between China and Grenada is grounded in the consolidated political mutual trust. Over the past 21 years, since the resumption of diplomatic ties, under the strategic guidance of our leaders and the joint efforts of our people, China and Grenada have become a good example of mutual respect and solidarity and cooperation among developing countries. The 2 countries have all along treated each other as equals and pursued mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, respected each other’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and firmly supported each other on issues concerning core interests. The one-China principle has remained a staunch political stance of Grenada. Besides, China and Grenada have worked closely in international affairs to make the voice of the Global South heard and push for a more just and equitable international order.
The 3rd China Policy Paper on Latin America and the Caribbean expands this foundation to incorporate new areas of collaboration, including environmental protection, climate change adaptation and disaster mitigation, taxation cooperation, and market regulation, further strengthening the resilient and forward-looking partnership between the 2 countries.
The Development Programme: Crops that feed a family, facilities that lift a community. Concrete measures of development are found in the daily lives of ordinary people. A Grenadian seedling grower, who has been working in agriculture for 20 years, said that by learning cultivation techniques from the Chinese agricultural expert team in Grenada, he has been able to increase his income. His average monthly net income is now around $EC7,000. With high-quality seedlings, he can grow better vegetables, while the rest are sold to other local farmers. On the way to St Patrick, there stands a small bridge built with Chinese assistance to make life easier for the local community. An 80-year-old resident recalled that before the bridge was built, he and his family had to wade across the river or take a 1-hour detour to reach the other side. Now, they can cross safely in just a few minutes. There are many more such examples.
The reconstruction and expansion of the Kirani James Athletic Stadium and the National Cricket Stadium have transformed these 2 facilities into premier venues for local, regional, and international sports events and social activities. Recently, the Kirani James Stadium has witnessed the athletic excellence of regional competitions such as CARIFTA, showcasing the talent and spirit of young athletes from across the Caribbean. Additionally, the 1,000-unit low-income housing project — a great gift from the government and people of China — offers comfortable homes for families in Grenada. These initiatives are all part of a broader development programme aimed at promoting shared prosperity and improving the well-being of the people. Recently, Prime Minister Hon. Dickon Mitchell participated in the preliminary technical research and on-site survey conducted by the Chinese expert team for electric buses and other relevant China-aid projects in Grenada, demonstrating the shared commitment of both sides to the well-being of the people.
The Civilisation Programme: Exchanges that deepen mutual learning, heritage that connects hearts. A prime example is the Grenada National Museum, which tells the story of the nation’s history. Through museum exchanges and cooperation between China and Grenada, cultural dialogue serves as a bond to deepen mutual understanding and appreciation between the 2 civilisations. China and LAC countries have embraced the Global Civilisation Initiative, strengthening collaboration in areas such as joint archaeological efforts, heritage conservation, and the study of ancient civilisations. Together, we are working to breathe new life into civilisations, allowing them to shine ever brighter through exchange and mutual learning.
The Peace Programme: Peace is the presence of stability, and stability requires both shared principles. China has long firmly supported the Latin America and the Caribbean region’s status as a Zone of Peace. We oppose the threat or use of force in international relations, and hegemonic moves of violating the UN Charter and infringing on other countries’ sovereignty. The support extends to joint training in disaster response and cooperation on maritime safety, and they are carried out on the basis of equality and respect. China stands ready to work with LAC countries that have diplomatic relations with China to deepen strategic mutual trust, support each other in following a development path that suits each country’s national conditions, jointly reject power politics, and jointly uphold peace and stability in the region.
The People-to-People Programme: Conversations that bridge a divide, cultural events that touch a heart. Friendship between nations is built through one conversation, one classroom, one cultural event at a time. Across the region, interest in Chinese language and culture is growing steadily. Last year, more than 580 Grenadians participated in various training programmes in China, and more than 800 students enrolled in courses at TAMCC Confucius Institutes. Some of the students will soon take part in the “Chinese Bridge” competition, where they will share their understanding of not only the language, but also Chinese civilisation. Earlier this year, the first Spring Festival Temple Fair brought students together to try calligraphy, taste Chinese pastry, and figure out how to use chopsticks properly. During this weekend, a Chinese Food Festival will fill the air with new aromas and flavours. And next month, a short video competition and article competition called “China in My Eyes” will invite Grenadian people to tell their own stories about this relationship. These events may seem small. A bowl of noodles, a well-held pair of chopsticks, a one-minute video. But they add up, turning vast oceans into shared spaces and creating familiarity across continents. They remind us that cultures are equal, that no one way of living is superior to another, and that the best way to appreciate another tradition is to approach it with an open mind.
These 5 programmes are not merely items on a diplomatic agenda. They are pathways toward a community with a shared future. Their true value will be measured by the harvest in a farmer’s basket, the cheers in a crowded stadium, the care taken to restore an ancient wall, and that spark of understanding in a student’s eyes when a new language finally makes sense. This year marks the 21st anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between our 2 countries. As Prime Minister the Hon. Dickon Mitchell once said, “The seed planted back in 2005 has blossomed into a tree that is bearing fruit for the people of both Grenada and China.”
Looking ahead, we will continue to be good friends and good partners, pursuing equality, mutual benefit, and common development. As a valued member of the Latin American and Caribbean, China is ready to work with Grenada and all countries in the region to navigate the changing international landscape through solidarity and coordination, to achieve development and prosperity through mutually beneficial cooperation, and to deliver tangible benefits to the peoples.
