China and Barbados Unite on Climate Action

by Deanzer Roberts

Barbados and China are forging stronger bonds in the fight against climate change, as evidenced by Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Huang Xinhua’s address at yesterday’s Zero Carbon Island Cooperation Conference. Speaking on behalf of the Chinese Embassy, Huang underscored that while geographically distant, the two nations are aligned in vision—especially regarding climate resilience, renewable energy, and green transformation.

Referencing the June 2023 official visit by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley to China, Huang noted that both governments are committed to sustainable development and climate action. “Barbados is a good friend and partner of China in the Caribbean region,” he said. “Although separated by oceans, the two countries share similar goals and walk hand in hand.”

This partnership is not symbolic—it is built on concrete policy goals. Barbados aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035. China, on its end, is pushing to peak emissions by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2060. Both countries are signatories to the Paris Agreement, and both are making strides toward reshaping their energy landscapes.

The conference also spotlighted a significant economic dimension. According to Huang, China is actively encouraging its enterprises to invest in Barbados, particularly in green energy, sustainable infrastructure, and the blue economy. The event welcomed a delegation from Yantai City, whose mission is to explore investment opportunities and support the climate ambitions articulated by the leaders of both nations.

“China offers a vast stage for business development, vast market prospects, stable policy outlook, and a secure environment,” Huang noted, suggesting that bilateral cooperation could spark a wave of mutually beneficial investment.

In a geopolitical aside, Huang criticized recent U.S. policies of imposing “reciprocal tariffs,” stating that such protectionism undermines multilateral trade systems. “Trade wars and tariff wars have no winners,” he warned, positioning China as a proponent of “universally beneficial and inclusive globalization.”

This underscores China’s diplomatic posture amid growing tensions in global trade. Barbados, as a small island developing state, could benefit from a stable, rules-based international economy—something both countries assert they are fighting to protect.