by Suelin Low Chew Tung, NOW Grenada
On Wednesday, 19 June 2024, Ambassador Wei Hongtian of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Grenada hosted a seminar at his residence to engage local media on current developments in China and China’s work in Grenada.
Ambassador Wei overviewed various projects executed under his mission in Grenada, including:
- Social housing initiatives
- Work at the Agricultural Demonstration Centre in La Sagesse, St David
- Donation of agricultural materials and equipment to support Phase 8 of the China–Grenada Agricultural Technical Cooperation Project
- Enhancements at Maurice Bishop International Airport
- Construction of a pedestrian bridge across Duquesne River
- Donations of health and agricultural equipment and supplies
- Contribution of EC$190,000 to the Chantimelle Fire Relief Commission in St Patrick for building homes for fire-displaced families
- Provision of equipment to the IT department of Mac Donald College
- Educational scholarships and short-term training courses
- Renovations to the Grenada National Cricket Stadium
- Support for various community and school projects
- Supporting the Chinese Bridge language competitions and the work of the Grenada–China Friendship Association
He expressed gratitude for the Grenada Government’s political and international support for China, and noted that preparations are in progress to mark 20 years of resumption of diplomatic relations in 2025.
Some of the media shared their experiences of visiting China and lessons learned, followed by a general Q&A session. The ambassador hosts media seminars at least twice a year to update the media on developments in China and Grenada–China cooperation and solicit feedback from local media.
Concerning overcapacity and the decision by the US and EU to impose more tariffs on China-made renewable energy products, Ambassador Wei stated that “from the perspective of the global market, the current new energy production capacity is far from meeting market demand. In particular, many developing countries have huge potential demand for new energy, including Grenada.” He reminded that additional tariffs would “disrupt the smooth operation of global supply chains, impede the international trade, and hold up the green transition of global economy” with consumers paying the price for the overcapacity narrative against China.
In September 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward New Quality Productive Forces (NQPF) to foster “large-scale and influential pillar industries, transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, enhanced resilience of the Chinese economy, and the overall economic output.”
Ambassador Wei advised China’s green measures will provide other countries with “more opportunities to participate in emerging industries and create a good atmosphere of cooperation for global technological progress.” He noted the Grenada government’s policies on advancing the creative economy, blue economy, tourism innovation, renewable energy, etc., are also efforts to foster new productive forces and enhance the well-being of the Grenadian people. The ambassador said China is willing to share resources, markets, and technological innovations with Grenada.
On the protracted Israeli–Palestinian Conflict, the ambassador said the international community must act now to realise a ceasefire, ensure unimpeded humanitarian aid, forestall further spillover of the conflict, and redress the historical injustice to the Palestinian people. He confirmed that China will continue to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with Middle Eastern countries and the whole international community to ultimately realise peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine as well as harmony between the Arab and Jewish peoples.
Similarly, the ambassador highlighted China’s consistent, unequivocal and transparent position on the Ukraine crisis, and its tireless efforts to promote ceasefire and end the fighting. He advised that on 23 May 2024, China and Brazil jointly released the “Common Understandings Between China and Brazil on Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis”, reflecting the widespread concern and genuine desire of the vast international community to promote political settlement.
Ambassador Wei touched on 10 June, which was declared the International Day for Dialogue among Civilisations, based on the China-tabled resolution adopted by consensus on 7 June 2024 during the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly. China proposed this day to raise international awareness of the value of the diversity of civilisations, exchange, cooperation, and mutual learning among civilisations in order to find a way to address global challenges jointly.
The seminar informed us that the Chinese economy has seen positive growth this year, with the GDP in the first quarter increasing by 5.3% compared to the previous year, fuelled by clean energy and high-tech industries. Important economic indicators rebounded during May, and based on analyses of production, consumption, and government policy support, China’s economy is expected to continue to rebound and improve.
Ambassador Wei confirmed that China is making full efforts to invigorate the global implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, uphold world peace, and add to global responses to security challenges. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a vivid example of building a community with a shared future for mankind, which has been well received by the international community both as a public good and a cooperation platform.
