On March 15, 18 diplomatic envoys to China from 11 Caribbean and Pacific island nations visited Chaozhou, Guangdong Province. The delegation toured the Memorial Temple of Han Yu, strolled across Guangji Bridge, savored Chaoshan Kung Fu Tea, and explored the Exhibition Hall of the Ceramics Capital of China.
For many envoys, the visit resonated deeply. Robert Lee, Ambassador of Fiji to China, was captivated by the tea ceremony. "We drink tea at home, but we don't go through this elaborate process. So to witness it here is quite an experience," he said. "I love the aroma of the tea. I think I could sit here all day and just drink tea." He expressed a desire to "take home the whole process of making the tea, the elegance of drinking Kung Fu Tea."
The trip stirred ancestral memories. Lee shared that his ancestors are from Zhongshan, Guangdong. Anyin Choo, Ambassador of Guyana to China, echoed this sentiment. "My ancestors are from Guangzhou City, Baiyun District. Definitely a feeling of coming home. The warmth, the hospitality, the delicious food, and the beautiful culture of Guangdong are very familiar, very heartwarming to me."
Choo purchased a straw fan and fridge magnet, marveling at local wood carvings. "It uses a lot of skill in the carving of wood because of all the details of the dragons." Jacqueline Bell, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Jamaica, also took home a wooden pendant. "I love wood," she said. "You see there are some holes, so I can hang it around my neck."
Choo reflected on Chaozhou's dual identity. "Chaozhou is known as an ancient city and a modern city, and that strikes it perfectly. You can experience ancient culture, but also they have modern industry, which is important for the economy." Chaozhou's porcelain heritage, dating back 6,000 years to the Neolithic period, exemplifies this blend—centuries-old craftsmanship evolving alongside modern industry.
The visit highlighted expanding educational cooperation. Luamanuvae Mariner, Ambassador of Samoa to China, noted the significance of preserving historical monuments like the Han Yu Temple. "China has successfully preserved such historical monuments related to its former scholars. It's something all countries should learn from."
Mariner shared impressive figures: "At the moment we have about 80 to 90 students from Samoa on scholarship at universities across China, studying disciplines from education to finance and humanitarian studies." He noted the historical connection, observing that many Chinese who migrated overseas in the late 1800s and early 1900s came from this part of Guangdong.
These exchanges reflect a broader pattern. The Five Islands Campus of the University of the West Indies in Antigua and Barbuda, serving over 1,500 students, was built with Chinese assistance in 2013 and now hosts a Confucius Institute. In the Pacific, Renmin University launched a training program with Tonga National University in January 2026, engaging students from 12 countries across 14 University of the South Pacific campuses.
Reporter: Guo Zedong
Photo: Guo Zedong
Video & Video cover: Pan Jiajun
