The Tribune

Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas Yan Jiarong said China and The Bahamas are entering a new phase of closer cooperation, with Beijing describing the country as an ‘important partner’ in the Caribbean ahead of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.

She said the two countries were strengthening political ties while expanding cooperation in areas ranging from trade and healthcare to food security, renewable energy, education and cultural exchanges.

Speaking at a reception at the Margaritaville Beach Resort, Nassau, on Monday, marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Ambassador Yan said “political trust” between the two countries was deepening.

“China and The Bahamas firmly support each other on issues concerning our respective core interests,” she said, adding that China appreciated The Bahamas’ “longstanding commitment to the one-China principle”.

She said China also supported The Bahamas in pursuing international partnerships based on its own national interests and in safeguarding peace and stability in the region.

The ambassador highlighted a series of exchanges between the two countries during the past year, including the first China-Bahamas Forum on Dialogue among Civilisations and the first China-Bahamas Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum.

The Chinese Embassy also supported the fifth Bahamas International Dragon Boat Festival and fourth Chinese Calligraphy Festival, while continuing its annual programme of donating assistive devices to Bahamians with disabilities.

More than 100 Bahamian nationals have visited China this year with embassy support, including representatives of both the Progressive Liberal Party and Free National Movement who travelled to China in July for party-to-party exchanges.

Bahamian parliamentarians, senior security officials, doctors, nurses, students and business representatives have also participated in programmes and exchanges in China.

Ambassador Yan said 46 Bahamian participants had taken part in Chinese capacity-building programmes focusing on the digital economy, green development and trade diversification, while nine Bahamian students received scholarships to study in China.

Eight Bahamian students also travelled to China for a study tour focused on green development.

Looking ahead, 23 doctors and nurses from Bahamian hospitals are scheduled to travel to China next month for a public health capacity-building programme.

The relationship is also producing practical projects in The Bahamas, the ambassador said.

She pointed to the groundbreaking of the new hospital project in Nassau and continuing renovation work at the National Stadium, with both governments investing in various projects.

China has also been facilitating Bahamian business delegations to major Chinese trade events, including the Canton Fair and Yiwu International Trade Market.

The ambassador identified energy and food security as two areas with “great potential” for further China-Bahamas cooperation.

Chinese electric vehicles and solar energy equipment, she said, were supporting The Bahamas’ transition towards greener energy, while a Bahamas Demonstration Farm Project funded with US$1 million by Hunan Province was completed at the end of last year.

China is also considering providing US$2 million for a climate-smart food security project in The Bahamas to be carried out by the United Nations Development Programme.

The ambassador said people-to-people links were also growing, with Bahamian athletes and entertainers developing connections in China and an increasing number of Chinese tourists visiting Nassau.

Next year will mark 30 years since China and The Bahamas established diplomatic relations.

“China is ready to work with the Government and people of The Bahamas,” Ambassador Yan said. “Let us deepen political trust, align our development strategies, expand exchanges and cooperation, and build a brighter future for China-Bahamas relations.”

She ended by describing The Bahamas as an “important partner” for China in the Caribbean and calling for the two countries to continue building on their longstanding relationship.

The audience was entertained by Chinese dancer Ashley Liang, and students from The Bahamas Creative and Performing Art School (CAPAS), who also sang the Bahamian national anthem.