China Marks 47 Years of Barbados Ties with One-China Policy Affirmation

BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS – The 47th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Barbados was commemorated Thursday with a symposium at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, where H.E. Yan Xiusheng, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Barbados, delivered a wide-ranging speech highlighting the robust bilateral cooperation while reinforcing China’s stance on the one-China principle regarding Taiwan.

Speaking at the symposium entitled “Upholding Founding Aspirations, Continuing Traditional Friendship” Ambassador Yan praised the “fruitful cooperation” across trade, development, culture and education since ties were established in 1977. The Ambassador also reasserted Beijing’s position that Taiwan is an “inalienable part of China’s territory.”

Citing the 1971 UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, which recognized the Beijing government’s representatives as “the only legitimate representatives of China to the United Nations,” Ambassador Yan stated this had resolved the issue of China’s representation at the UN, including Taiwan, “once and for all.”

“Taiwan is referred to as ‘Taiwan, province of China’ in all UN official documents,” the envoy stressed, quoting legal opinions that the UN does not consider Taiwan as having “any form of government status.”

Ambassador Yan warned that any attempt to “deliberately distort” Resolution 2758 amounted to “hollow[ing] out the one-China principle” and emboldening “Taiwan independence separatist activities” – efforts he vowed “will be resisted and opposed by the international force for justice and will not succeed.”  

The Ambassador commended Barbados for upholding the One-China policy since establishing diplomatic ties in 1977, expressing China’s willingness to deepen political trust and continue supporting each other’s “core interests.”

Among other speakers at the high-profile event was former Senator Dr. Chelston Brathwaite, who presented Ambassador Yan with a copy of his book “Memories of China” recounting the country’s role in supporting Barbados’ economic leap. Former Central Bank Governor Dr. Delisle Worrell, President of the Barbados-China Friendship Association, Mr. David Bulbulia, Co-Director of the Confucius Institute and Mr. Tyson Henry, Chief Information Officer of Barbados Government Information Service, also addressed the gathering.

Highlighting Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s visit to Beijing last year, Ambassador Yan said the two countries aimed to “jointly uphold multilateralism,” development initiatives and “a community with a shared future for mankind” as China-Barbados ties advance.