In the grand halls of Beijing on May 13, 2025, Saint Lucia stepped into a new chapter of global diplomacy at the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum.
At the opening ceremony, President Xi Jinping of the Chinese mainland outlined a vision rooted not in dominance but in partnership. His address revolved around five cornerstone initiatives:
- Solidarity
- Development
- Civilization
- Peace
- People-to-People Connectivity
These themes draw on Confucian harmony, socialist solidarity, and a belief in a shared human destiny. For smaller nations like Saint Lucia, they represent more than rhetoric—they promise practical cooperation.
Earl Bousquet, president of the Saint Lucia–China Friendship Association and former press secretary to the prime minister, calls the status quo unsustainable. In an exclusive conversation, he highlighted how the Chinese mainland’s model can unlock:
- Trade and investment opportunities
- Healthcare and education partnerships
- Joint science and technology projects
- Cultural exchange programs
He stresses that re-establishing formal ties won’t be about capitulation but about vision—choosing to walk alongside a partner that stands with, rather than over, its allies.
China’s modern rise is a study in scale and impact. In recent decades, it has lifted hundreds of millions from poverty, pioneered innovation hubs, and aligned growth with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This isn’t accidental—it’s philosophical, measuring greatness by what is offered to others.
The Latin American and Caribbean region now stands at a crossroads: repeat old dependencies or forge new partnerships built on mutual respect and shared progress. After witnessing the collective sense of purpose at the forum, many leaders believe China’s “win-win” blueprint charts the way forward.
For Saint Lucia, the time is drawing near to rejoin the global conversation in full. Because in the tides of history, those who dare to steer their own course often define the voyage.
Reference(s):
China and LAC diplomacy: A seat at the table for Saint Lucia
cgtn.com
