The Embassy other People’s Republic of China in Barbados celebrates 76th Anniversary

Ambassador Zheng renews commitment to bilateral cooperation

The Embassy of The People’s Republic of China in Barbados hosted a reception at the Hilton Barbados resort Thursday evening to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, with Ambassador Zheng delivering a speech that emphasized both China’s remarkable economic transformation and the strengthening partnership between China and Barbados.

Economic Milestones and Global Leadership

In addressing the distinguished gathering, Ambassador Zheng outlined China’s extraordinary economic journey over the past seven decades. The nation has transformed from a developing country into the world’s second-largest economy, with GDP projected to reach approximately $19.5 trillion USD in 2025.

“After 76 years, China has leapt into the world’s second largest economy. The modernization with Chinese characteristics has created a miracle in the history of economy,” Ambassador Zheng stated during the evening reception.

China’s industrial dominance was highlighted through impressive statistics: the country now leads globally in the production of over 220 categories of industrial products and maintains world leadership in high-speed rail mileage, expressway infrastructure, port throughput, 5G base stations, renewable energy capacity, and electric vehicle production and sales.

Poverty Alleviation and Social Development

Ambassador Zheng emphasized China’s significant achievements in social development, particularly in poverty reduction. Nearly 800 million people have been lifted out of poverty, with absolute poverty eliminated under current standards. The country has also established what the Ambassador described as “the world’s largest systems of education, social security, and medical insurance,” benefiting China’s 1.4 billion citizens.

International Engagement and Global Governance

Addressing China’s role on the world stage, Ambassador Zheng highlighted the country’s commitment to international cooperation through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, which has brought benefits to over 150 countries. China has become a major trading partner for more than 140 countries and regions worldwide.

The speech also touched on recent global governance initiatives, including President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative, built on five key principles: sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, people-centered approaches, and practical action. Ambassador Zheng noted that China will co-host the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Beijing this October with UN Women.

China-Barbados Relations Strengthen

The bilateral relationship between China and Barbados received significant attention during the address, with the Ambassador describing the current state of relations as being “at the best stage in our history” after 48 years of diplomatic ties.

Practical Cooperation Advances

Several concrete examples of ongoing cooperation were highlighted, including the delivery of 30 Chinese-donated electric buses now in service in Barbados, the near-completion of the China-aid Hope Agricultural Training Institute project, progress on the Scotland District Road Rehabilitation Project, and the official commencement of the National Stadium Redevelopment Project.

The Ambassador expressed China’s willingness to expand cooperation in emerging areas including climate change, green development, digital transformation, and public health.

Cultural and Educational Exchange

People-to-people connections were celebrated through various initiatives, including the staging of traditional Chinese opera at the Fish Dragon Festival and the renewal of the medical team agreement. Educational partnerships continue through the Chinese Government Scholarships, the Furong Scholarship, and the Ambassador’s Scholarship program, supporting Barbadian students in their academic pursuits.

Political Support and Taiwan

The Ambassador expressed appreciation for Barbados’ consistent support for the one-China principle and its position on the Taiwan question, describing this as part of the deepening political mutual trust between the nations.

Looking Forward

The evening represented not only a celebration of China’s national milestone but also a reaffirmation of the growing partnership between the two nations across multiple sectors.

The 76th anniversary celebration underscored China’s evolution from its founding in 1949 to its current position as a global economic power, while highlighting the practical benefits of international cooperation through its deepening relationship with Caribbean nations like Barbados.