Chinese medical teams have treated more than 43 200 patients and performed 1 520 surgeries in Barbados, highlighting Beijing’s growing influence through healthcare diplomacy, officials revealed at a diplomatic reception.
The event marked the fifth anniversary of the Association for Barbados-China Friendship (ABCF). Dr Ao Meng, who heads the seventh Chinese medical team to the island, detailed how 61 healthcare workers have introduced 177 new medical techniques in a wide range of specialities, from nuclear medicine to orthopaedics.
“China’s medical assistance to Barbados is a noble endeavour deeply rooted in the friendship between our peoples,” Dr Ao said.
“Each Chinese healthcare professional serving Barbados brings with them a spirit of sincerity and compassion. They are not only messengers of medical expertise but also ambassadors of goodwill.”
The medical programme has earned praise from the highest levels of the Barbados government, including President Dame Sandra Mason and Prime Minister Mia Mottley. Chinese healthcare workers have trained more than 4 000 Barbadian medical professionals whilst treating infectious diseases and performing complex surgeries, the team leader said.
China Chargé d’Affaires Huang Xinhua emphasised that the 47-year-old diplomatic relationship between the two nations was part of China’s broader international strategy.
“Friendship between peoples is the foundation for stable and sustained international relations,” he said, describing it as “an inexhaustible driving force for world peace and development.”
Huang affirmed China’s commitment to building “a community with a shared future for mankind” through “winwin cooperation” and “shared responsibility as residents of the same planet.”
The ABCF anniversary celebration served as a platform for China to showcase its vision for partnership with Barbados and the wider Caribbean region, despite some international scepticism about Beijing’s growing influence in the area.
“With the continued care, support, and participation of all of us,” Huang said, “China and Barbados will be able to remain true to our original aspiration of establishing diplomatic relations and jointly create a brilliant future.” (RG)
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