The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Antigua and Barbuda hosted a vibrant Spring Festival Reception on Sunday evening at its Marble Hill Road compound in St. John’s, bringing together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and invited guests to celebrate the Year of the Horse.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne was among the distinguished attendees, along with Minister of Foreign Affairs E.P. Chet Greene, Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams, as well as several other Cabinet ministers and government officials.
Sir Rodney and Lady Williams along with Prime Minister Gaston Browne at Spring Festival celebration (photo by Wayne Mariette)
The celebration began in the late afternoon with a lively fun fair segment that featured traditional décor, festive displays, and cultural interactions.
Guests later transitioned into the formal reception, where the atmosphere was filled with colour, music, and symbolism reflecting the rich heritage of the Chinese Spring Festival.
Ambassador Jiang Wei speaks at Spring Festival celebration (photo by Wayne Mariette)
His Excellency Jiang Wei, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Antigua and Barbuda, welcomed guests and reflected on the strong and growing ties between the two nations.
Prime Minister Browne, in his remarks, praised the longstanding relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and China, describing it as one built on mutual respect and tangible development outcomes.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne addresses Spring Festival celebration (photo by Wayne Mariette)
He acknowledged China’s continued support in key national projects and emphasized the importance of international collaboration in advancing economic growth and resilience.
Foreign Affairs Minister Greene also underscored the strength of diplomatic relations, pointing to cultural exchange as a powerful bridge between peoples. He commended the Embassy for consistently fostering opportunities that allow Antiguans and Barbudans to experience and appreciate Chinese traditions.
Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene addresses the crowd (photo by Wayne Mariette)
Throughout the evening, guests were treated to cultural performances, including traditional Chinese music and dance presentations that captivated the audience.
The vibrant red and gold décor, symbolic of prosperity and good fortune, set the tone for a celebration marked by unity and goodwill.
The event concluded with guests mingling over refreshments, exchanging greetings, and expressing optimism for continued cooperation in the year ahead.
The Spring Festival Reception once again demonstrated the enduring friendship between Antigua and Barbuda and the People’s Republic of China, blending diplomacy with culture in a celebration of renewal, prosperity, and shared progress.
The cultural exchange is beautiful, and the celebration looked vibrant. I just hope these strong diplomatic relationships continue to translate into opportunities and benefits for ordinary Antiguans and Barbudans.
Unity, respect, and shared progress, this is what diplomacy should look like.
Credit where it’s due. China has played a major role in infrastructure and development here. But as citizens, we should always ask questions and ensure partnerships are balanced and transparent.
You can’t ignore how present China has become here. Events like this show how seriously they take relationships.
Hope this friendship continues to bring real development.
Happy New Year to all our Chinese friends. It looks like it was a nice event.