On March 14, 18 diplomatic envoys to China from 11 Caribbean and Pacific island nations, including Tonga, Jamaica, and Fiji, paid a visit to Chaozhou, Guangdong Province. The delegation toured Arcade Street, ascended Guangji Tower for a closer look at the intangible cultural heritage of Chaozhou embroidery, and enjoyed a light show and seasonal drum performances, experiencing up close the historical and cultural vibrancy of the city.
For many of the envoys, the visit offered a first encounter with eastern Guangdong's distinctive heritage. Hallam Henry, Barbadian Ambassador to China, was experiencing Chaozhou for the first time. "It's my first time in Chaozhou, and I've enjoyed it very much. It's a beautiful city, and this is a beautiful cultural street," he said. "It's a nice blend of the old culture of China that goes back many dynasties and also the modern development that we've seen with the nice architecture, the planning of the beautiful city."
The visit carried personal resonance for Henry, who noted the deep historical ties between his region and Guangdong. "Something you may not know is that most of the Chinese immigrants to the Caribbean and to my country, Barbados, come from Guangdong. We have a lot of Guangdong restaurants, actually, in Barbados, so it's nice to be able to see the ancestors of a lot of the people who live in Barbados right now."
Jacqueline Pollyana Bell, a diplomat from the Embassy of Jamaica to China, said she was particularly drawn to the historical relics along the archway street. "We have been learning about the various archways and their part in China's history," she said. "I particularly enjoy historical relics and learning about the various parts of China and their uniqueness, because no two cities are really alike."
Bell also highlighted the cultural performances during the visit, including Chinese opera and drumming. "They were really interesting and very talented," she noted.
Deepening ties with data to match
The envoys' enthusiasm reflects a broader trend: China has emerged as the most valued bilateral partner for small island developing states (SIDS). According to a survey by the UK-based Overseas Development Institute published in January 2026, 49 percent of officials from 29 SIDS across the Caribbean, Pacific, and other regions ranked China as their most important bilateral development partner.
China's development finance footprint has grown significantly in these countries. Between 2020 and 2023, China provided $6 billion in developmental aid to SIDS globally, according to an ODI survey, surpassing contributions from traditional partners.
Tourism emerged as a key theme during the Chaozhou visit. Bell noted that the mayor had highlighted tourism and cultural tourism as potential areas for cooperation between the Caribbean, Pacific islands, and Chaozhou. "Tourism is also the main foreign exchange earner for my country," she said. "I do believe it's a strong potential area for cooperation between both cities and countries."
Cultural exchange, economic potential
Stefan Jamar Carrington-Henry, a diplomat from the Embassy of Barbados to China, offered a more personal memento of the visit. "I bought a magnet today because I make it a mission of mine that every city I visit in China, I collect a little souvenir, and they hang on my fridge. So I was able to get one for the city today, which I am very happy and proud of."
He was also struck by the evening light show. "The light show was splendid; it was brilliant just to be able to see the synchronicity in the lights. It was amazing. So it just shows me the technical level that China is on, and that was impressive."
Beyond the sights, Carrington-Henry said he was keen to learn about the city's development trajectory and the potential for cooperation. "I'm learning a lot more about the history of the city, the culture, how it was built, the progress that's been made, and where it's going. So those are the things I'm hoping to learn. And also the cooperation that can happen between the city and the Pacific Islands and the Caribbean."
Reporter: Guo Zedong
Photo: Guo Zedong
Video: Pan Jiajun
