The occasion brought together the nation’s political leadership, diplomatic corps, and civil society in a visible demonstration of continuity and bipartisan support for the China–Antigua and Barbuda relationship. His Excellency Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams led a high-level government delegation for the evening.  Also in attendance were Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene, Tourism Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez, Education Minister Daryll Matthew, and Minister of Urban Renewal and Social Transformation, Hon. Rawden Turner. 

Speaker of the House Osbert Frederick, Leader of the Opposition Jamale Pringle, and Members of Parliament Algernon Watts and Kelvin Simon formed part of the official government delegation.  Antigua and Barbuda’s recently appointed Resident Ambassador to the People’s Republic, Clement Antonio, was in attendance. The Fisherman’s Cooperative executive, led by Sir Andy Roberts, was also present. 

Ambassador Jiang Wei: A Career in Diplomacy

Born in Wuhan, Hubei Province, Her Excellency Jiang Wei is a university graduate with nearly three decades of service in China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Her career has been rooted in consular and bilateral diplomacy, rising from staff officer to division director in the Department of Consular Affairs. She served extensively in the Russian Federation, including as Counsellor at China’s Embassy, and most recently as Consul General in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from 2021 to 2025. Most recently appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Antigua and Barbuda, she brings deep institutional experience, a multilateral perspective, and a strong emphasis on people-to-people engagement. She is married and has one son.

In her keynote address, Ambassador Jiang struck a tone that blended diplomacy with genuine warmth. Declaring herself “already drunk” on the hospitality she had received, she described Antigua and Barbuda as paradise, praising not only its famed 365 beaches, but the sincerity and openness of its people.

She reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s role as a trusted friend and partner of China in the Caribbean, highlighting the steady expansion of cooperation since diplomatic ties were established. Drawing on her experience in Kazakhstan, where President Xi Jinping first introduced the Belt and Road Initiative, she underscored the symbolic significance of Antigua and Barbuda being the first Eastern Caribbean country to join the initiative.

She stated, “During my tenure, I look forward to working with the government and people of Antigua and Barbuda to carry forward our traditional friendship, strengthen political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, and achieve more fruitful outcomes in China and Antigua and Barbuda relations, so as to benefit our two peoples.”

Diplomacy Beyond Government and Partnership in Practice 

In his brief presentation, Governor General His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams broadened the evening’s focus beyond state-to-state relations. He stressed the importance of people-to-people engagement, praising the Antigua and Barbuda Chinese Friendship Association, led by Lady Williams, for translating goodwill into lived experience through cultural exchange and community programmes.

Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene underscored the substance of the ceremony, detailing how China’s engagement has translated into tangible national development. He noted that Chinese cooperation has touched virtually every priority sector: healthcare, education, infrastructure, and human capital development. He highlighted key milestones, including the modernisation of hospital facilities, the expansion of St John’s Deep Water Harbour, and the awarding of hundreds of scholarships that have enabled young Antiguans and Barbudans to study abroad and return home with critical skills.

Concluding Thoughts

In an era of shifting global alliances, small states must engage the world with clarity and confidence. What stood out at this reception was the showcasing of results that have strengthened the bonds of friendship.  Her Excellency Jiang Wei has signaled her mandate during her tenure is strengthen the bonds, cultivate the spirit of mutual understanding, while in her words “maintaining the steady momentum of our bilateral relations…. bringing more benefits to our two peoples.”

I look forward to continuing meaningful engagements then enrich the lives and development possibilities for both Antigua and Barbuda and the People’s Republic of China as we continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship.

 China’s friendship has indeed been way better than pocket money!