Over the weekend, China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, visited Jamaica and was welcomed effusively by our Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith. Our government officials all looked thrilled to bits at his visit; Mr. Wang, however, barely broke a smile in most of the photos I have seen.
I am not sure that any of the meetings held were open to the media. I assume that they were carefully choreographed with “friendly” media and the government’s Jamaica Information Service. I don’t think the dour Mr. Wang gave any interviews, or answered questions from our local media. Please correct me if I am wrong. But there were plenty of handshakes and photo ops.
Did Mr. Wang meet with any Opposition members, civil society, teachers, union representatives, farmers, health workers, private sector representatives? It seems not. OK then, did he meet members of the Chinese Jamaican community? I hope so. And what was actually discussed? That was all shrouded in diplomatic language.
Then again, Mr. Wang could not speak English – rather surprising for a Foreign Minister. So an interpreter was there to help out. I note from the press release below mention of Jamaica becoming the first Caribbean country to establish a “strategic partnership” with China in 2019, and do recall that we eagerly embraced the “One China” principle, throwing Hong Kong and Taiwan out in the cold. China’s official news agency said Jamaica will stick to that “unswervingly.” So much for our support for democracy and human rights. I assume the topic of the Uyghurs did not come up for discussion! But then, we know which side our bread is buttered on, as my grandmother would say.
Meanwhile this lengthy press release came out, full of flowery words; there is mention of supplying China with more lobsters and pork, but not many specifics. Hopefully they will not introduce their multi-storey pig farms to Jamaica.
Jamaica-China Strategic Partnership deepens following visit of Chinese Foreign Minister
In the aftermath of the Chinese Foreign Minister’s visit to Jamaica, Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, has expressed strong optimism for an enhanced bilateral relationship between Jamaica and the People’s Republic of China.
His Excellency Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister and Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, is the first Chinese Foreign Minister to have visited the island in just over 20 years. Minister Johnson Smith says Minister Wang’s visit marks a continuation of the groundwork established by Prime Minister Holness during his official visit to China in 2019. In that year, Jamaica became the first Caribbean country to establish a strategic partnership with China, which continues to pave the way for more robust cooperation and mutual development.
“Minister Wang’s visit signifies a watershed moment in the strategic partnership between Jamaica and China, heralding the beginning of a new chapter characterised by innovative and collaborative efforts that stem from our shared dedication to developmental goals at the national and global levels”, said Minister Johnson Smith.
Minister Johnson Smith explained that Jamaica’s relationship with China has progressed into a dynamic phase characterised by a shift from loans to investment as well as intensified cooperation and a unified vision. She said the recent visit has reinforced ties and initiated a sequence of forward-thinking collaborations that will be crucial in shaping the future of Jamaica. “These engagements are especially significant in the development of our human capital and in strategic sectors like education, health, agriculture, trade, food security, science and technology, as well as infrastructure development”, she said.
“The Government and people of Jamaica sincerely appreciate and welcome the friendship and continued support of the People and Government of China, particularly for the provision of scholarships that cover a wide educational spectrum. This is one of the many initiatives that mirrors both our nations’ commitment to intellectual and professional development of our people”, emphasised Minister Johnson Smith.
“The completion of the St. Thomas leg of the South Coast Highway, the construction of the Western Children and Adolecent Hospital as well as the supply of equipment to local hospitals with China’s support, showcase a development model that is both visionary and sustainable, aligned with Jamaica’s growth and development aspirations”, continued Minister Johnson Smith.
In looking at the broader scope for cooperation in trade, Minister Johnson Smith elaborated on the agricultural sector, pointing to the potential increase in exports to China in fisheries and pork products. “Jamaica’s export of live and frozen lobsters to China has gone well. Our government is however actively pursuing broader export opportunities in fisheries and agriculture, including pork and a variety of other products. As we deepen our collaboration with China in areas of food security and agriculture, we are also exploring farming methodologies that can provide more opportunities for small and medium farmers. These efforts are not only vital for our macroeconomic growth but also for empowering our rural communities, ensuring they play a significant role in our shared journey towards sustainable development”, Minister Johnson Smith Said.
Acknowledging China’s pledge to encourage more businesses to invest in Jamaica, the Minister expressed optimism for future endeavours. “Such commitments from China open new doors for trade and investment, which will undoubtedly strengthen the economic fabric of our bilateral relationship, to the benefit of peoples”, she said.
The visit concluded with a warm invitation from the Chinese side for a Jamaican delegation to visit China later this year, an opportunity that Minister Johnson Smith described as “a pivotal step in solidifying the strategic partnership and continuing the dialogue to explore new horizons for cooperation”.
During his visit to the island, Minister Wang paid a Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Holness, who was accompanied by some of his Cabinet Ministers. His Excellency Wang Yi also engaged in a bilateral meeting with Minister Johnson Smith, who later hosted him at private dinner in the company of other Cabinet Ministers.
The top Chinese diplomat departed the island on Sunday, January 21.
Petchary's Blog 
All of this speaks so many volumes, Emma, it is difficult to count them.
LikeLike
I think so, Angela. So little information and/or media reporting about the visit except for the Ministry’s statement and the Chinese Government agency’s report (Xinhua).
LikeLike
My only thoughts is that he came to look at their asset.
LikeLike
Yes – you could well be right. Sigh.
LikeLike