by Curlan Campbell
- Cooperation will be advanced through 5 key programmes
- Policy Paper on LAC formulated on common development needs, shared interests and priorities
- Positive China–Grenada cooperation in education, infrastructure development, renewable energy, and people-to-people exchanges
H E Ambassador Yang Shu of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to Grenada has underscored that cooperation between China, Grenada, and the wider Caribbean will be advanced through 5 key programmes proposed by President Xi Jinping under China’s newly released 3rd Policy Paper on Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
Under the Solidarity Programme, he said China advocates that countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing, “enhance strategic mutual trust, continue to render mutual understanding and support on issues concerning national sovereignty, security, territorial integrity and other core interests and major concerns, while jointly opposing hegemonism and power politics.”
Speaking on the policy paper’s relevance to Grenada, Ambassador Yang noted that it serves as a regional cooperation framework to strengthen relations between China and the entire LAC region, including small island developing states. He emphasised that the policy paper is not directed at individual countries, but is instead “formulated based on the common development needs, shared interests and priorities of the entire LAC region, including small island states such as Grenada.”
Beyond solidarity, the ambassador highlighted the Development Programme, which places strong emphasis on climate resilience — an issue of critical importance to Grenada and other Caribbean nations. He noted that China will deepen cooperation on disaster management, fully utilise the China–LAC disaster management cooperation mechanism, and strengthen collaboration in disaster reduction, prevention, and preparedness to support vulnerable island states.
Ambassador Yang also outlined the Civilisation Programme, which focuses on people-centred development through education and knowledge exchange. Under this programme, China will support small island countries by expanding training opportunities, offering scholarships, and promoting joint research initiatives to build long-term capacity.
On peace and security, the ambassador pointed to the Peace Programme, under which China supports the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, as well as the declaration by LAC states on the prohibition of nuclear weapons. He said these efforts align with China’s commitment to regional stability and multilateral cooperation.
The 5th pillar, the People-to-People Connectivity Programme, aims to strengthen exchanges in areas including rural revitalisation, poverty reduction, tourism, and subnational cooperation. According to the ambassador, these initiatives are designed to deepen mutual understanding and deliver tangible benefits to communities.
Turning to bilateral relations, Ambassador Yang noted that cooperation between China and Grenada has already produced positive results in education, infrastructure development, renewable energy, and people-to-people exchanges. He said future cooperation will prioritise healthcare, public transportation, green development, and community-level projects to further improve the livelihoods of Grenadians.
People-to-people exchanges, particularly in education, culture, and youth development, remain a cornerstone of China–Grenada relations. Guided by the philosophy that “it is more important to teach people how to fish than just giving them fish,” China has long provided Grenada with training opportunities and capacity-building support. These training programmes span key sectors including agriculture, tourism, education, healthcare, new energy, information technology, the digital economy, and poverty alleviation. So far this year, 580 Grenadian participants have attended training programmes in China, while around 30 Grenadian students are currently pursuing higher education in China under full Chinese Government Scholarships. Ambassador Yang said China will continue to offer full scholarships and expand training opportunities in the coming year, particularly in areas of urgent need.
Cultural cooperation is also set to deepen in 2026. Over the past 2 decades, 13 Chinese art troupes have visited Grenada to foster mutual understanding and cultural appreciation. Looking ahead, China plans to further enrich cultural exchanges by inviting professional Chinese chefs to Grenada to showcase authentic Chinese cuisine. At the same time, Grenadian cultural groups, artists, and musicians are warmly welcomed to visit China, with the Chinese Embassy pledging full support for such exchanges. According to the ambassador, these initiatives reflect China’s commitment to building lasting bridges of friendship and encouraging vibrant youth engagement between the 2 countries.
Ambassador Yang also recalled China’s assistance following Hurricane Beryl, noting that China provided disaster relief funds and urgently needed supplies, including recent support to the National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA). These actions, he said, demonstrate China’s friendship with Grenada and its vision of building a global community with a shared future for humanity.
In outlining avenues for financing and technical cooperation, the ambassador explained that small and medium-sized projects can be supported through existing China–Grenada economic and technological cooperation agreements. Large-scale projects may access concessional loans from the Chinese government or commercial loans from Chinese banks. He also highlighted opportunities for technical cooperation and technology transfer, particularly in renewable energy, public transportation, and the blue economy.
On trade, agriculture, and investment, Ambassador Yang encouraged Grenada to utilise ongoing agricultural cooperation projects fully and to participate in major Chinese trade expos to expand market access. He further expressed hope that Grenada would continue to create a transparent, sustainable, and mutually beneficial environment for Chinese enterprises.
Ambassador Yang praised Grenada’s active role within Caricom and CELAC and reaffirmed China’s long-term commitment to the Caribbean. As a fellow member of the Global South, he said China stands ready to work with Grenada to elevate bilateral relations and jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity.
China, to trust them is big mistake.