Facts speak louder than words: The story of China-Guyana cooperation

By Yang Yang

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Guyana
Recently, one U.S. Congressman made irresponsible remarks about so-called “Chinese influence,” attempting to undermine the China-Guyana relations and disrupt practical cooperation between our two countries. Such claims are entirely unfounded, detached from the reality of China-Guyana relations, and filled with prejudice and misinformation. The truth is simple: although China and Guyana are separated by great distance, our two countries have long walked side by side on the path toward development and prosperity. Under the strategic guidance of our two heads of state, China-Guyana relations have continued to grow stronger, while high-quality Belt and Road cooperation has brought fresh momentum to Guyana’s modernization process.
China and Guyana are trustworthy political partners. Guyana is the first English-speaking Caribbean country to establish diplomatic relations with China. Over the past 54 years, bilateral relations have maintained steady and healthy growth. During President Ali’s visit to China in 2023, President Xi proposed deepening the alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030. The five programs for the China-LAC community with a shared future, proposed by President Xi, closely align with Guyana’s goals of accelerating national development and economic transformation. Guided by the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, China-Guyana cooperation continues to move forward on the right course of mutual benefit and win-win scenario.
China is a contributor to Guyana’s modernization drive. In recent years, a number of major projects undertaken by Chinese companies have been implemented across Guyana, creating thousands of local jobs, training large numbers of local technical personnel, and fostering close cooperation with local suppliers. The Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge has significantly eased long-standing transportation pressure and become an important link connecting communities and promoting economic development on both sides of the river. Six regional hospitals built by Chinese companies are now fully operational, helping to modernize Guyana’s healthcare system. The China-Guyana Joe Vieira Friendship Park, aided by the Chinese government, has also been completed, providing a modern public space for sports, recreation and cultural activities. By the end of 2025, cumulative Chinese investment in Guyana had reached approximately US$13 billion, while bilateral trade in 2025 totaled US$2.89 billion — an increase of more than 105 percent year-on-year. These impressive figures reflect the enormous potential and vitality of China-Guyana cooperation.
China is a steadfast partner in supporting the health and well-being of the Guyanese people. Since China dispatched first medical brigade to Guyana in 1993, 21 batches of more than 300 Chinese medical professionals have worked in the country, treating over 1.3 million patients and performing more than 70,000 surgeries. Many Chinese doctors have traveled regularly to remote villages to provide free medical services and bring healthcare directly to grassroots communities. Through their professionalism and dedication, Chinese medical teams have earned widespread praise and become one of the warmest and most vivid symbols of China-Guyana friendship.
China is a strong supporter of people-to-people exchanges. Amity between the people holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. In recent years, exchanges in education, culture, youth and sports have become increasingly vibrant. Over the past 12 years, the Confucius Institute at the University of Guyana has trained more than 5,000 students, organized nearly 200 cultural events, and attracted over 50,000 participants, becoming an important bridge for cultural exchange between our two countries. Chinese poetry, calligraphy and Spring Festival traditions are increasingly entering Guyanese schools and communities, while performances by the Hebei Acrobatic Troupe from China have been warmly welcomed by local audiences. Last year alone, more than 200 Guyanese participants from government, business, healthcare and other sectors traveled to China for training programs, bringing back valuable knowledge and experience to support Guyana’s development. These growing exchanges are bringing the peoples of our two countries closer together than ever before.
As a Chinese saying goes, “Even mountains and seas cannot distance people with common aspiration.” China is convinced that modernization is not the privilege of a few countries, but the shared right of all. China stands ready to continue working with Guyana, as well as with all countries committed to peace and development, in the spirit of openness, mutual respect and win-win cooperation. We are willing to share opportunities created by Chinese modernization so that more development outcomes can benefit the peoples of two countries and contribute to the common prosperity of the Global South.