Greene Details Transition to New China Ambassador, Says Clement Antonio to Take Up Post in Early 2026
Foreign Affairs Minister EP Chet Greene on Friday provided new details on Antigua and Barbuda’s diplomatic transition in China, announcing that Senator Clement Antonio will assume duties as ambassador in Beijing in the first quarter of next year.
Greene told Parliament that the outgoing ambassador, Stuart Young, had left the service “very, very recently,” and he formally placed on the record the government’s appreciation for Young’s service to Antigua and Barbuda.
“As he leaves office, we have now appointed another ambassador,” Greene said.
Greene explained that Antonio, who is currently serving as Antigua and Barbuda’s resident ambassador to Ireland, will relocate to China early in 2026 to take up the Beijing posting. He said the appointment is intended to strengthen relations between the two countries, particularly in the area of trade.
“When we opened the mission in Beijing, we spoke about the prospects for trade,” Greene said, noting that China remains the world’s central trading hub and that Antigua and Barbuda continues to source many goods indirectly through third parties.
He said the establishment of a fully functioning mission in Beijing, supported by a dedicated ambassador, is expected to shift that dynamic and help reduce costs for local importers and consumers.
Greene encouraged Antiguan traders, importers and business operators to make active use of the China mission, saying it forms part of the government’s broader effort to ease cost-of-living pressures.
“I want to congratulate Ambassador-appointed Clement Antonio,” Greene said, adding that he would give his “total support” to ensure Antonio is settled quickly and able to “hit the road running” once he assumes office.
