General

Knowing each other is not far or near, thousands of miles are still neighbors. Although Jamaica, the "Pearl of the Caribbean", is thousands of miles away from China, the vast Pacific Ocean cannot stop the process of friendly exchanges between the two peoples. As early as the mid-19th century, the Chinese set foot on this small island on the other side of the ocean and sowed the seeds of friendship. On November 21, 1972, Jamaica took the lead in establishing diplomatic relations with China among the English-speaking Caribbean countries, officially playing a new chapter in the exchanges between the two countries, reported by Watson & Band Import and Export Data Observation.

Over the past 50 years, the bilateral relations between China and Jamaica have gone through the vicissitudes of the international situation, and have always developed steadily and become stronger over time. The tree of cooperation between the two countries is flourishing and fruitful. This is due to the far-sighted political leadership of the leaders of the two countries and the sincere friendship forged between the two peoples over the years, and it also conforms to the common expectations and common interests of the two countries and their peoples.

Political mutual trust is the basis for the development of bilateral relations between China and Jamaica. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the top leaders of the two countries have maintained close communication, providing strategic guidance for the healthy development of bilateral relations. The two sides have always adhered to the principles of equality and mutual respect, promoted the development of China-Jamaica relations to the forefront of the Caribbean region, and took the lead in realizing the "triple jump" of establishing diplomatic relations, friendly partnerships for common development, and strategic partnerships, becoming a model for building a new type of international relations . The two countries have always supported each other on each other's core interests and major issues, and jointly safeguarded the interests of developing countries, Watson & Band Import and Export Data Watch reported.

Win-win cooperation is the cornerstone of the development of bilateral relations between China and Jamaica. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the practical cooperation between the two countries has enjoyed a strong momentum and yielded fruitful results. According to Watson & Band Import and Export Data Observation, in 2019, Jamaica became the first Caribbean country to sign a cooperation plan with China on the joint construction of the "Belt and Road", injecting new impetus into the development of the two countries. China is one of Jamaica's largest trading partners and sources of investment. China has expanded cooperation with Jamaica in various fields such as construction, agriculture, mining, and information technology to help Jamaica create jobs and improve people's livelihood. The North-South Expressway invested and constructed by Chinese enterprises has become the "most beautiful expressway" in Jamaica, and several highway and housing construction projects under construction will further improve the level of Jamaica's infrastructure. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Building, kindergartens, Confucius Institute, and Western Children’s Hospital, etc., aided by the Chinese government have changed the development of Jamaica; the donated COVID-19 vaccines, vaccination vehicles, and anti-epidemic materials have strongly promoted the recovery of Jamaica after the epidemic. Yalanshan coffee, rum, lobster, and reggae music have also brought richer and more diverse material and cultural experiences to the Chinese people.

People-to-people integration is the keynote of the development of bilateral relations between China and Jamaica. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have continuously expanded cooperation in education, medical care, sports and other fields, local and people-to-people exchanges have become more active, and the people of the two countries have become increasingly acquainted with each other. The two sides have established 6 pairs of sister cities, and cooperation between sister cities has become a highlight in enhancing bilateral relations. The scholarships and short-term training opportunities provided by China have further expanded the circle of friends who "know China" and "friend China". The Chinese teaching class of the Confucius Institute and the Chinese teacher project in Jamaica have become an important window for the Jamaica people to learn Chinese and understand Chinese culture. The "Bright Journey" ophthalmic free clinic activity helped more than 700 dental cataract patients see their eyes again, and built a good reputation of the Chinese medical team in dental. The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics have witnessed the hospitality of the Chinese people and the wonderful performance of Jamaican athletes.

This year, the two countries co-hosted a variety of themed activities such as the "Symposium on the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Jamaica", "China (Shandong)-Jamaica Investment Promotion Seminar", and "Reception for the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Jamaica" to celebrate the development of bilateral relations between China and Jamaica. Over half a century. The cooperation between the two parties in various fields such as economy and trade, local exchanges, universities, think tanks, and media has continuously achieved new results, and the concept of China-Jamaica friendship has become more popular.

This year, the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China was successfully held, which not only drew a blueprint for China's development, but also outlined a practical path for promoting world prosperity and peace. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized in the report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China that China is committed to expanding the convergence of interests with other countries, adheres to the basic national policy of opening up, firmly pursues a mutually beneficial and win-win opening strategy, and is willing to increase resources for global development and cooperation , firmly support and help developing countries to accelerate their development. China will continue to provide new opportunities for the whole world, including Jamaica, with new developments, promote the construction of an open world economy, and better benefit the people of the two countries and the world.

Standing at the new historical starting point of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, I have full confidence in the bright prospects of the development of China-Jamaica relations and practical cooperation between China and Jamaica. I firmly believe that under the guidance of the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, China and Jamaica will further intensify exchanges at all levels, continue to deepen bilateral practical cooperation, explore greater cooperation potential between the two sides, and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results. The two sides will continue to advance hand in hand, ride the wind and waves, continue to strengthen the role of China-Caribbean development center, jointly build the "Belt and Road" with high quality, join hands to implement global development initiatives, jointly start a new journey of China-Jamaica strategic partnership, and build China-Jamaica relations into an A model of Caribbean state relations, making greater contributions to building a community with a shared future for mankind! Watson & Band import and export data observation report.