On June 5, a high-level delegation of 60 diplomatic envoys visited the breathtaking Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB). The visit marked the grand finale of their immersive tour across Guangdong Province.
Standing atop this world-class mega-project, the envoys witnessed the seamless connectivity and deep integration that define the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
The visit capped off days of intensive field research, leaving the diplomats with profound insights into how the GBA's innovation-driven integration serves as a powerful blueprint for regional growth. It also reinforced global confidence in China's continued opening up.
The awe-inspiring sheer scale of the HZMB left an indelible impression on the delegation, standing out as a masterclass in modern engineering. "This bridge is an engineering marvel," expressed Willy Bett, Kenya's Ambassador to China. He reflected on his first time driving through the cross-sea bridge and its undersea tunnel, describing the journey as truly "mind-boggling."
This sentiment was echoed by Barrett Salato, the Ambassador of the Solomon Islands to China, who noted that seeing the bridge in person far surpassed any photographs or videos. "It shows me the brilliance of China's engineering field," Ambassador Salato remarked. "The GBA has brilliantly planned out its links by road, sea, and air. It is well integrated and will become even more integrated in the future."
He emphasized that many investors and traders to the Solomon Islands are from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. As a result, the GBA serves as the ultimate vital link connecting China and the Solomon Islands.
The envoys also noted that the GBA's success story is not an isolated case but a scalable model that offers invaluable lessons for the rest of the world.
Ambassador Bett pointed out that the Great Lakes Region in Africa operates as a similar ecosystem to the GBA. He also noted that there are "many lessons to take away" from how the GBA successfully built its seamless multi-city connectivity.
Furthermore, he highlighted that the sheer velocity and inclusivity of Chinese modernization offers a tangible blueprint and hope for developing countries, particularly those in the Global South. He added that it demonstrates how transformative regional development is entirely achievable within a single lifetime.
Soledad Cordova, Ecuador's Ambassador to China, noted that China's 15th Five-Year Plan is a milestone of international importance. "It's important for the world because it means you are creating opportunities not only for your country...You are ready to share with them all your experiences," she stated.
Robert Lee, Fiji's Ambassador to China, added that China's developmental spectrum provides a relatable roadmap for nations at any stage of growth. He emphasized that China's actions—not just its words—demonstrate its role as a key global stabilizing force. "From a Fijian perspective, we know it's real. We know it's happening, and we appreciate it very much," Ambassador Lee affirmed.
Although the journey across Guangdong has come to an end, this farewell is merely a prelude to deeper international alignment. As Ambassador Bett eloquently summarized, "We do not regard this as the end of a visit but rather as the beginning of new partnerships and stronger friendships. We look forward to continuing our dialogue and cooperation in the years ahead."
Reporter | Guo Chuhua
Photo | Guo Chuhua
Video | Guo Hongda
Poster | Guo Hongda
