Prime Minister Welcomes New Chinese Ambassador, Praises Decades of Transformational Support from the People’s Republic of China
ST. JOHN, Antigua and Barbuda – 25th November 2025…..The Government of Antigua and Barbuda officially welcomed Her Excellency Ambassador Jiang Wei, the newly appointed Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, during credential presentation ceremonies to Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne, and Minister for Foreign Affairs the Hon. E.P. Chet Greene.
In her introductory remarks, Ambassador Jiang reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening what she described as a “long-standing and fruitful partnership” built on mutual respect, shared interests, and cooperation across nearly every sector of national development. She expressed confidence that her tenure would open new opportunities for collaboration and strengthen what Governor-General Williams described as “the ironclad friendship between the two countries.”
Prime Minister Gaston Browne welcomed the new Ambassador and emphasized that Antigua and Barbuda’s development over the past several decades has been directly influenced by China’s consistent and meaningful support.
He highlighted several milestone contributions, noting “China has assisted in practically every area of national development—from infrastructure and ports to healthcare, education, information technology, and institutional strengthening. The expansion and modernization of our hospitals, deep-water harbor, our national university campus buildings, and the hundreds of scholarships awarded to our young people are lasting testaments to that partnership.”
The Prime Minister underscored that China is now widely recognized as Antigua and Barbuda’s leading development partner, a sentiment also echoed by Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene, who noted that cooperation between the two nations spans education, infrastructure, economic development, healthcare, housing, and public administration.
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Browne reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s clear and unwavering support for the One-China Principle, noting that the position is not only longstanding but based on respect for territorial sovereignty and international norms.
Drawing a parallel to Antigua and Barbuda’s own constitutional reality, the Prime Minister stated “Just as Barbuda is an integral part of one nation—Antigua and Barbuda—so too is Taiwan a province within one China. Our position is rooted in principle and mutual respect.”
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1983, China has supported Antigua and Barbuda’s national development in numerous priority areas, including:
- Construction of major public buildings and infrastructure
- Hospital modernization and medical support
- Scholarships and university facilities
- Support for information and communications technology
- Major port expansion and transportation upgrades
- Assistance in community development and public services
Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams noted with appreciation that Antigua and Barbuda was among the earlier nations to recognize the People’s Republic of China and has benefited significantly from the shared commitment of both governments and leaders over the past four decades.
Sir Rodney Williams and Prime Minister Browne expressed confidence that Ambassador Jiang’s appointment will strengthen bilateral cooperation, expand trade and investment ties, deepen cultural and educational exchanges, advance development initiatives aligned with Antigua and Barbuda’s national priorities and reinforce collaboration through China–CELAC and other regional frameworks
Foreign Minister Chet Greene says that the Government of Antigua and Barbuda looks forward to continued cooperation with the Government of the People’s Republic of China and reaffirms its commitment to a future built on partnership, shared prosperity, and mutual respect. (Ends)
