On July 29, 2022, Chinese ambassador to Jamaica Chen Daojiang received an interview with the Jamaica News Agency to mark the 60th anniversary of the independence of Jamaica and answer questions on China-Jamaica relations, 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the Global Development Initiative. The website of the Jamaica News Agency, the Jamaica radio station and the broadcasting corporation have published or broadcasted the interview in recent days. The minutes of the interview run as follows:
Ambassador Chen: I am happy to receive this interview as Jamaica embraces its 60 years of independence. This is my first interview since assumption of office. First of all, on behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, I would like to extend warm congratulations and sound wishes to the Jamaican government and people.
It is my privilege to serve as the Chinese ambassador to Jamaica, “the pearl of the Caribbean”. Over the past two months since my arrival, I have visited many Jamaican friends both at the government and in various sectors. I have also had talks with representatives of the Chinese businesses in Jamaica and the overseas diaspora. I also visited some Chinese local projects under construction and the National Gallery of Jamaica. I have the deep impression that Jamaica is a beautiful, open and dynamic country and that the Jamaican people are a passionate, optimistic, and upbeat people. The Jamaican government and people cherish profound friendship towards the Chinese government and people. Jamaica boasts sound geographical location, unique culture and splendid creativity and enjoys huge potential for economic and social development and a bright future. I believe that it will achieve even more in its future development.
Journalist: Congratulations on your assumption of office, ambassador. What is your general view on the 60 years of independence of Jamaica? Do the Chinese people also believe that it is an important event and why?
Ambassador Chen: On August 6, 1962, Jamaica cast off colonial rule and declared independence, opening a new chapter in its history. Under the leadership of Bustamante, the first Prime Minister of Jamaica, Jamaica entered into a period of fast economic development. Over the past 60 years, thanks to the capable leadership of successive leaders and the hard efforts of the Jamaican people, Jamaica has realized huge progress in its economic and social development, with continuous progress in various undertakings such as science, technology, culture, health, and sports, ever improving living standards of the people and playing an active and important role in international and regional affairs.
As the Chinese saying goes, “when one enjoys others’ success, others will also rejoice in one’s success.” We Chinese feel truly happy for our friends when they have great news. As Jamaica’s good friend and good partner, China celebrates together with Jamaica for its 60 years of independence and the Chinese people share the happiness of the Jamaican people.
As things stand, the pandemic is still spreading. The once-in-a-century changes have accelerated. The world has entered into a period of turbulence and transformation. Facing unprecedented challenges, countries are all grappling for solutions. Mankind has to make the right choice. Against such a background, the international community has to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, jointly deal with challenges, contribute to the building of a community with a shared future and create a brighter future for the world. It is our hope that every country, Jamaica included, will enjoy a peaceful and stable environment, unleash the potential for sustainable development and bring about more benefits for people of their respective countries and for the whole world.
The 60-year anniversary of independence has provided a good opportunity for Jamaica to galvanize national strength and plan for future development. I sincerely hope that Jamaica will make the best of this opportunity to embark on a new journey to “rekindle a great country” and build it into a happy country that provides sound environment for living, industries, and businesses.
Journalist: How do you view the resilience of Jamaica in the process of ending slavery and becoming a free state?
Ambassador Chen: Slavery and colonialism brought huge sufferings to the world, leaving an infamous chapter in human history. The days when Western imperialists could do whatever they like were far gone. However, we should be fully aware that the imperialist mentality and its inherent logic of power politics and bullying are still lingering in its myriad forms and manifestations, seriously impacting the normal international order and gravely undermining the sovereignty, security and development interests as well as political, economic, and social stability of relevant countries. The international community still has a long way to go to completely shake off the impact of slavery and colonialism.
As the Jamaicans often say, “we are small, but we are strong”. China has also upheld the principle that countries, big or small, are all equal. Jamaica has a proud history of fighting colonialism and slavery. The courage, tenacity and wisdom of the Jamaican people in the heroic struggles are truly admirable. China shares similar historical experiences with Jamaica. It had long suffered from the invasion and oppression of Western imperialist powers since modern times. We also faced similar tasks of striving for national independence, prosperity of the country and happiness of the people. Because of these similar historical experiences, it is easier for our two countries to understand and support each other.
In 1949, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people founded the People’s Republic of China, completely driving out Western imperialist powers. The Chinese people have since become masters of their own country. Under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, China has found a development path in line with our national conditions, i.e., socialism with Chinese characteristics. As a result, China has realized the great transformation of standing up, getting rich and becoming stronger and is now marching towards the Second Centenary Goal of building a strong modern socialist country. It is my sincere wish that under the leadership of Prime Minister Holness and with the concerted efforts of the Jamaican people, Jamaica will find a path of development in line with your national conditions and realize better and faster development.
Journalist: Could you tell us why China values its relations with Jamaica so much?
Ambassador Chen: Jamaica is the largest English-speaking country in the Caribbean and has important influence in the region. On November 21, 1972, China and Jamaica established diplomatic relations. Jamaica was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with China. Over the past 50 years, under the strategic guidance of leaders of the two countries, China-Jamaica relations have maintained sound development. In particular, since Prime Minister Holness’ visit to China in 2019, when President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Holness upgraded bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, bilateral relations have entered into a fast track of development. Over the past 50 years, the two countries have supported each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests. China appreciates Jamaica’s adherence to the One-China policy.
Jamaica’s relations with China has been leading China’s relations with other countries in the Caribbean, Jamaica being the first country to establish strategic partnership with China and to sign Belt and Road cooperation agreement with China. China’s Confucius Institute at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica is also the first in English-speaking Caribbean countries. Facts have proven and will continue to prove that China and Jamaica are good brothers that support each other, good friends sharing weal and woe, and good partners seeking common development.
The sound development of China-Jamaica relations has brought about real benefits to the two countries and two peoples. The building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade assisted by China, the China Park in the Hope Park, and the Confucius Institute at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica all stand testimony to friendship and cooperation between the two countries. The Children’s Hospital in western Jamaica under the assistance of China, the round-city highway of Montego Bay with Chinese investment and construction, the coastal road in the southern part of the county, and the renovation and upgrading project of the Jiuquan Iron & Steel-Alpart Aluminum Oxide Factory will go a long way to improve local medical services, improve infrastructure development, promote employment and economic growth, and become new landmarks of mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Jamaica. The Reggae music, rum, and Blue Mountain coffee of Jamaica have also brought more diversified and splendid cultural experiences to China. We also welcome more special commodities and services such as sea food, pork and tourism will come to China to promote economic recovery and development of the two countries.
This year marks the 50 years of diplomatic ties between China and Jamaica. The two countries will host a series of celebratory events including hosting joint receptions. I would like to take this opportunity to invite representatives of various sectors of Jamaica to attend the reception and other events to jointly start a new journey of China-Jamaica relations. China will work with Jamaica to make the best of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations to expand practical cooperation in various areas, and strive for higher-quality Belt and Road cooperation to bring China-Jamaica strategic partnership to a new stage and bring more benefits for the two countries and two peoples.
Journalist: How do you think the Chinese community in Jamaica will celebrate the 60th anniversary of independence of Jamaica?
Ambassador Chen: As soon as I arrived in Jamaica, I took notice of the words “Out of Many, One People” inscribed in the national emblem, which is also the national motto of Jamaica. It gives vivid expression of the fact that Jamaica is made up of different nations and is a “melting pot”.
As a matter of fact, as early as 160 years ago, the first group of Chinese arrived at the Jamaican shores, followed by countless others. They have overcome numerous difficulties and integrated into the Jamaican society, making important contribution to economic, social and cultural development of Jamaica. As people of Chinese origin, they have also served as “messengers” for exchanges and cooperation between the two countries and contributed their share for promoting China-Jamaica relations, deepening practical cooperation and consolidating traditional friendship between the two countries.
Today, the Chinese Jamaicans have become an important part of the multi-nation identity of Jamaica. Like other Jamaicans, they are working and studying in different parts of the country and making their own contributions to the national development of Jamaica. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, they have donated large amounts of anti-pandemic materials to the Jamaican government and people, making positive contribution to Jamaica’s pandemic response. I believe that as Jamaica celebrates its 60 years of independence, the Chinese community will be actively involved in various celebratory events.
Journalist: How would you celebrate the “Independence Week” (from August 1 to 6, with the Independence Day falling on August 6)
Ambassador Chen: The “Independence Week” will be an important period for celebrations. During that time, President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will send messages of congratulations to Governor Patrick Linton Allen, Prime Minister Holness, and Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith respectively on the occasion of the 60 years of independence.
I myself will also publish a signed article to express sound wishes to our Jamaican friends to share the joy. Besides, I will also follow the celebratory events through TV and the internet. And I may also be invited to attend some of the events. I believe it is an excellent opportunity for me to appreciate the unique and splendid history and culture of Jamaica.
Journalist: Will China come up with plans that promote the development of bilateral relations and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation?
Ambassador Chen: Both China and Jamaica are developing countries and face the common task of realizing people-centered development to deliver a better life to the people. Development holds the key to solving all problems. Jamaica has joined the BRI. Mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides in trade and infrastructure development has yielded bountiful results. Not long ago, at the inauguration ceremony for the round-city highway of Montego Bay, Prime Minister Holness also stressed the necessity and importance of infrastructure development.
In September last year, President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Development Initiative, calling for stronger, greener, and healthier global development. In July this year, the China-Caribbean Development Center was established in Shandong province, my hometown. The purpose of setting up such a center in Shandong is to make the best use of the advantages of Shandong as a big economic province to strengthen cooperation between China and Caribbean countries including Jamaica in agriculture, logistics, infrastructure development, IT, etc., so as to tap into complementarities for common development.
We welcome Jamaica to join the Global Development Initiative, expand bilateral cooperation in poverty reduction, food security, pandemic response, climate change, industrialization, digital economy and connectivity, and strengthen collaboration under the framework of the China-Caribbean Development Center so as to provide more resources and inject greater vigor and vitality for economic and social development in Jamaica. My embassy would play a bridging role to facilitate bilateral practical cooperation in relevant areas and bring more wellbeing to the two countries and two peoples.
Friends from the media are also welcome to follow and cover the GDI and the China-Caribbean Development Center so as to create a sound atmosphere and contribute to practical cooperation of mutual benefit between China and Jamaica.
In the latter half of this year, we will embrace 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and Jamaica and for that we will host a series of celebratory events. We will follow through on the strategic consensus between leaders of the two countries and make concerted efforts to create a brighter future for China-Jamaica strategic partnership. The CPC is scheduled to host its 20th National Congress, which will lay out great visions for the two-step strategy to realize a modern strong socialist country and set out strategic tasks and major measures for the next five years. The CPC will lead the Chinese people in taking more solid steps on the road of national rejuvenation. A stronger and more prosperous, open China will bring more opportunities and vigor for Jamaica and the whole world. I am convinced that the China-Jamaica strategic partnership enjoys a bright future and that the traditional friendship between the two countries will be even stronger!
