The Chinese Embassy in Guyana hosted a reception last Thursday at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Kingston to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Diplomatic relations between Guyana and the People’s Republic of China were formally established on June 27, 1972, during the administration of Prime Minister Forbes Burnham. At that time, Guyana made history as the first English-speaking Caribbean country to recognize the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China.
President Irfaan Ali, delivering the feature address at the event, highlighted the enduring and growing relationship between the two countries. He reiterated Guyana’s commitment to upholding international principles grounded in democracy, peace, respect for sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
The President noted that discussions with China’s new Ambassador, Her Excellency Yang Yang, touched on the importance of preserving Guyana’s sovereignty and the role China can play in promoting peace in the region. He emphasized the shared belief in international law and the rules-based global order.
“China has consistently supported us and partnered with us on matters of national priority,” President Ali remarked, pointing to the strength of the bilateral relationship.
Ambassador Yang Yang, officially introduced at the reception, echoed the President’s sentiments and reaffirmed China’s dedication to supporting Guyana’s development. She also acknowledged Guyana’s pioneering role as the first English-speaking Caribbean country to forge diplomatic ties with China.
The ambassador outlined the significant progress made over the decades, noting that cooperation has expanded into vital sectors including agriculture, education, health, infrastructure, and trade. Looking ahead, she expressed China’s interest in deepening collaboration in new areas such as the digital economy, green technology, and artificial intelligence.
In 2024 alone, Chinese investment in Guyana reached US$10.6 billion, with bilateral trade climbing to US$1.4 billion—four times higher than the figure recorded in 2019. Ambassador Yang described Guyana as a strategic partner in the Caribbean and Latin America.
“We view Guyana as a vital partner in this region and fully support the country’s pursuit of its own development path. Our goal is to elevate the relationship to new heights based on mutual respect,” she stated.
China’s contributions to Guyana’s development include major infrastructure projects such as the New Demerara River Bridge, the construction of six regional hospitals, the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, and the development of the China-assisted Guyana-China Friendship Joe Vieira Park.
