AT a time when fresh threats are being raised against Guyana by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, acting in the capacity of President of Guyana, has called on the People’s Republic of China for support of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This call was issued at the Wednesday evening reception in celebration of the 66th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China at the Chinese Embassy in the presence of Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Limin and a host of diplomats and other leading dignitaries.
Guyana has consistently supported the People’s Republic of China in the face of territorial controversy since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries some 43 years ago. Ever since, Guyana has declared itself a strong supporter of the ‘One China’ policy.
Decades ago, a large population of China escaped and formed Taiwan that is now partially recognised as a country by itself. The ‘One China’ policy, which was endorsed by the United States, came into being in an effort to settle the dispute between China and Taiwan.
The policy is based on the principles of the United Nations Charter and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People’s Republic of China. In other words, the policy says that both China and Taiwan are recognised as one country and Guyana to date is an ardent supporter of this policy unlike several of its Caribbean counterparts, which continued to recognise Taiwan as a distinct and separate government from China.
Venezuela’s decades-old claim to Guyana’s sovereign space resurfaced in May, following a significant oil discovery by ExxonMobil. The Spanish-speaking country illegally positioned armed ships in Guyana’s Cuyuni River, some three days ago.
In light of this, Nagamootoo has called upon China, given Guyana’s consistent support to the country, particularly its ‘One China’ policy, to aid in maintaining Guyana’s sovereignty.
“Guyana expects the support of our friends for our national sovereignty and territorial integrity, especially at this time when fresh threats are raised against us,” Nagamootoo urged on Wednesday evening.
INCREASED COOPERATION
Chinese nationals were always encouraged to invest in the myriad opportunities that Guyana has to offer and Nagamootoo aims to move towards increased cooperation.
“Over the years, we [Guyana and China] have deepened our bilateral relations. The opportunity must now be taken to reflect on our achievements, and to move towards increased cooperation,” said Nagamootoo.
In 2000, Guyana signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the introduction of China Central Television (CCTV) in Guyana. Thereafter, increased trade and investment began and relations between the two countries have grown significantly.
Though several key projects are in the pipeline, Nagamootoo said that the new government is anticipating the execution of these projects to the satisfaction of all parties.
Being the second largest, China’s economy is followed closely by the world. In the first half of this year, on the basis of last year’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of US$10 trillion, China’s economy increased by 7%, which still ranks as one of the highest among the world’s major economies.
China attaches great importance to its relations with the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean Region, which is the most dynamic Region with the greatest potential for development.
The China-CELAC forum, a mode of cooperation in production and equipment manufacturing between China and Latin America, was successfully launched early this year. A special fund of US$30 billion will therefore be set up by China for this.
The country has begun accepting applications for loans on infrastructural projects through the fund for China-Latin America and Caribbean Cooperation, among others.
In this regard, Nagamootoo said, “Guyana welcomes the Fund for China-Caribbean cooperation under its broader US$30 billion preferential loan project. We hope to access this facility, as Guyana takes a fresh approach to realising the good life in a Green economy”.
China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Zhang Limin stated his full agreement on this and pointed out that his country is willing to make joint efforts with the new administration to further enhance the relations of cooperation between the two countries.
“The new administration of Guyana has made new plans to improve infrastructure and develop a green economy. I believe that it will create more opportunities and greater space for the future cooperation between China and Guyana,” said Limin.
China-Guyana relations have seen sound and stable development over the years. Fresh movement of people from China has added to the Guyanese population of Chinese origin, and has strengthened not only businesses, but Chinese culture, cuisine, tradition and language. These have enriched the multi-ethnic fabric of the Guyanese society.
By Shivanie Sugrim