PM Gaston Browne opens new embassy in Beijing

Prime Minister Gaston Browne was present at the inauguration of the brand-new Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in Beijing, ushering in a new era of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The ceremony was conducted at the Sanlitun Diplomatic Compound in the Chaoyang District.

As expected, Prime Minister Browne addressed the gathering on this momentous occasion for Antigua and Barbuda, stating that this was a clear sign of the flourishing relationship between his nation and the People’s Republic of China.

Other significant dignitaries who gave their two cents at the event include Brian Stuart Young, Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to China, E. P. Chet Greene, who is the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, HE Xu Feihong.

Prior to this development, Prime Minister Gaston Browne arrived in Beijing on Monday, for an official visit that is scheduled to last a week. He has spoken publicly about his intentions to enhance and strengthen the bond between Antigua and Barbuda and the People’s Republic of China, to build a diplomatic relationship that carries the interests of both nations with it.

Prime Minister Browne reminded everyone that the People’s Republic of China shares deep ties with Antigua and Barbuda, which is the only such example of a large nation and a small nation working together with such harmony.

The occasion was special not just because of what both nations are aiming to achieve together in the future but also because it was a reminder of the years of fruitful collaborations between them as they celebrated the 41st anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties.

Representatives of the People’s Republic of China have made it quite evident that the nation is looking to flex its diplomatic muscles by expanding its footprint in the Caribbean. To do so, China must maintain and make use of the relations it already has in the Caribbean.

China now looks at its relations with Antigua and Barbuda, as well as Jamaica, as windows of opportunity which can help it establish even better diplomatic relations with other small island nations in the region.

Despite the relatively small size of these nations and their dependency on outside help for many essential resources, nations in the Caribbean have been growing in stature. This is reflected in the effect that Caribbean nations have had at international forums, especially when it comes to topics such as climate change, sustainability and regional economic policies.

Thus, if China wishes to play a more significant and commanding role in international geopolitics, it must have amiable relations with nations in the Caribbean region. It is China’s hope that initiative such as these, which it has undertaken with Antigua and Barbuda, will help the nation achieve these goals.