On March 15, diplomatic envoys from 11 Caribbean and Pacific island nations, including Nauru, Tonga, Jamaica and Fiji, visited Shantou, Guangdong Province, known as China's "Toy Capital." The delegation toured the UB Gaodele Intelligent Manufacturing Center to see toy production and robotics manufacturing up close, and visited Gaodes Precision Co., Ltd. to observe automated production lines and building block manufacturing.
For Jacqueline Pollyana Bell, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of Jamaica in China, walking through the exhibition felt like stepping into childhood. "I'm on Sesame Street with Ernie and all the other partners," she said with a smile. "Oscar the Grouch, Big Bird — and that looks like Cookie Monster. I know them all. They're my friends. I'm so happy to meet them here."
Shakeita Agard, a diplomat from the Embassy of Guyana, had her eye on something for her nephew. "If I could, I'd take home that transformer robot — my nephew would love it." She also reflected on her own childhood. "I grew up in a big family with six siblings, I'm the youngest. If I'd come here as a kid, I would've wanted the doll sets and the little kitchen. I loved playing cooking. The ones with pots and spoons were my favorite."
The numbers behind the toys
Shantou's Chenghai District produces roughly one-third of the world's plastic toys. In 2024 alone, the district exported toys worth 10.24 billion yuan. As the "Toy Capital of China," Chenghai accounts for about 70 percent of the country's plastic toy output and captures 60 percent of the global toy market, with products reaching more than 150 countries and regions.
The industry is also going high-tech. Four major centers are under construction with total investment exceeding 20 billion yuan: the Global Toy Intelligent Manufacturing Center, International Toy Creative R&D and Trade Center, Premium Building Block Production Center, and Global Toy Digital Service Center.
Agard was struck by what she learned. "It's amazing to see such high-quality toys made in China. I found out that 60 percent of the world's toys come from this one city."
From toys to deeper ties
The delegation also attended an island development seminar in Nan'ao County, discussing cooperation on marine economy, energy, conservation, and people-to-people exchanges.
Anyin Choo, Ambassador of Guyana to China, spoke about the deep connections between Guangdong and the Caribbean. "Guangdong is the bridge across the Pacific — the ancestral home for generations of Caribbean families," she said. "There's already a bond of culture and trust. This isn't just business. It's collaboration rooted in shared heritage."
She also pointed to concrete opportunities. "The Caribbean has a lot to offer in the blue economy and marine conservation. There's huge potential for cooperation on skills transfer, modern agriculture, disease control, feed development, and breeding programs for species important to Caribbean markets."
Tauaika Utaatu, Ambassador of Tonga to China, reminded attendees of the Pacific's global importance. "The Pacific covers 28 million square kilometers. It produces at least 50 percent of the planet's oxygen. It's home to most of the world's biodiversity and the main protein source for millions of Pacific people." She stressed that sustainable development remains essential for the region's economy and future.
Trade on the rise
The visit reflects growing economic ties. In November 2025, China signed an Enhanced Economic Partnership Framework Agreement with five Pacific island countries, including Fiji, to expand bilateral trade and investment.
Meanwhile, China-Latin America and Caribbean trade surpassed $500 billion for the first time in 2024, with the region's exports to China growing 7 percent in 2025, driven by agricultural products and minerals.
For the envoys, the day was about more than toys. It was about connections - childhood memories, ancestral ties, and new partnerships taking shape.
Reporter: Guo Zedong
Photo: Guo Zedong
Video & Video cover: Pan Jiajun, Lai Meiya
