China’s 77th Anniversary Celebrated with Pledges to Deepen Antigua and Barbuda Partnership

Antigua and Barbuda and China reaffirmed their longstanding partnership on Tuesday evening during a reception at the Chinese Embassy marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, Lady Williams, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle, parliamentarians and members of the diplomatic corps were among those acknowledged at the celebration.

The event highlighted cooperation across infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, renewable energy and professional training.

Speaking on behalf of Ambassador Zhang Wei, a Chinese Embassy representative thanked Antigua and Barbuda for its continued friendship and support, describing the relationship as an example of cooperation between countries of different sizes.

The representative said 1,500 solar streetlights and 200 residential energy storage systems donated by China had been delivered to Antigua and Barbuda.

The embassy also reported that the third phase of a Chinese agricultural technical assistance project had begun and highlighted China’s support for a 150-unit housing project.

Professional development featured prominently in the address. According to the embassy, 367 participants from Antigua and Barbuda attended 42 Chinese-organised training programmes in 2025.

More than 200 professionals received training between January and September this year in fields including agriculture, fisheries, infrastructure, port construction, climate change, healthcare, poverty reduction and disaster prevention.

The representative also outlined China’s interest in expanding cooperation with developing countries in artificial intelligence and early warning systems.

Prime Minister Browne praised China’s contribution to Antigua and Barbuda’s development, pointing to assistance for major infrastructure and opportunities for residents to study and train.

He said the government intended to deepen the relationship and pursue further investment and technology exchanges, while maintaining strong ties with other international partners.

Governor General Sir Rodney Williams extended congratulations to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda, Lady Williams and himself.

Sir Rodney noted that diplomatic relations, established on January 1, 1983, had developed through more than four decades of friendship and cooperation.

He said the partnership had produced tangible benefits in infrastructure, education, health, culture and capacity building, while encouraging greater understanding between the two peoples.

The Governor General also emphasised the importance of multilateralism and respect for international law.

“For small states such as ours, multilateralism is not an abstract principle. It is essential to our security, our sovereignty and our development,” he said.

Sir Rodney expressed hope that the relationship would continue to strengthen, providing further opportunities for knowledge sharing and sustainable development.

The celebration concluded with wishes for continued peace, prosperity and friendship between Antigua and Barbuda and the People’s Republic of China.