Dominican Prime Minister Skerrit's China visit: Strengthening bonds, embracing prosperity

Editor's note: Sumaya Chowdhury, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is an independent columnist and freelance journalist based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Answering the gracious invitation extended by Premier Li Qiang of the State Council of China, the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit embarked on a momentous official visit to China, from March 23 to 29. This pivotal visit coincides with the 20th anniversary of the establishment of China-Dominica diplomatic relations, a milestone underscored by two decades of steadfast camaraderie and shared prosperity.

Following the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations in 2004, political leaders in Beijing and Roseau have wasted little time in fortifying stronger ties. Throughout the preceding two decades, the two nations have consolidated a bond that stands as a resplendent example of cooperation transcending the palpable contrast in their respective national dimensions.

China, an Asian country with a staggering GDP of $17.52 trillion and a populace of 1.4 billion, boasts the world's second-largest economy. In contrast, the island nation of Dominica, nestled in the Eastern Caribbean region, has a GDP size shy of the billion-dollar mark and a population hovering around a modest 73,000.

The vast continental expanse that separates them has not been allowed to stand as a barrier to their mutual endeavors in propelling the bilateral ties towards a shared horizon of common prosperity and mutual interests. Moreover, even having considerable disparities between the two nations in terms of demographic and geographic size and the system of governance, China and Dominica have woven a tapestry of flourishing relations, with threads of mutual respect, the principle of equality of sovereignty, common development, and commitment to a win-win cooperation.

For China, its burgeoning ties with Dominica may represent one facet of its expanding global diplomatic relationships. However, for Dominica, this partnership holds the promise of transformative impacts, given China's principle position on emphasizing a win-win cooperative ethos while engaging with its global partners. Moreover, China's unwavering adherence to the principle of "non-interference" has provided Dominica with opportunities to engage with one of the global economic and technological superpowers without making any political tradeoffs.

Dominica's political leadership often appraises their nation's partnership with China, recognizing Sino-Dominican ties as a cornerstone of their country's advancements across all facets of national development. Indeed, there is no denying the tremendous positive outcomes this relationship has had on the lives of the Dominican people. Benefits abound across every field of cooperation, from infrastructural development to economic prosperity, agricultural modernization, educational opportunities, and technological advancement.

Prime Minister Skerrit, whose stewardship saw the formalization of his country's diplomatic relations with China in 2004, eloquently underlined this broader sentiment in his poignant remarks at the inaugural ceremony of the China-Dominica Friendship Association in September 2022.

Reflecting on the pivotal aspect of his then-decision, Skerrit fondly reminisced, "When I took the bold decision to establish formal ties with China in 2004, I did so with interest, and [the] wellbeing of Dominican people was my foremost concern and the respect of international law that there is but one China." And, the vast expanse of achievements both countries have unlocked together over the last 20 years have squarely validated the wisdom of his nation's decision. "Years later, we have had ample evidence that this was a sound decision which has enhanced the lives of the Dominican people and contributed to our country's advancement in several development sectors," Skerrit noted then with immense pride and gratitude.

For decades, the Island of Dominica, akin to its other Caribbean peers, was treated by the Western powers as a "foreign policy Rorschach test" – a tableau upon which they project their strategic policy desire by often overlooking its true national essence. However, since forging diplomatic ties with China, Dominica and many other Caribbean nations experienced a novel approach to international diplomatic relations. China championed a comprehensive collaboration ethos, aiming to optimize Dominica's resources, national potential, and human capital for holistic societal advancement. The journey of shared visions and aspirations since then has led to a symbiotic partnership with the win-win cooperation cemented at its core.

China's contributing imprints on Dominican infrastructure are evident in various facets of Dominican society, with landmarks ranging from the Dominica China Friendship Hospital and the restoration project after Hurricane Maria to the New Town Primary School and the York Valley Bridge. However, it is in the realm of agriculture where Chinese contributions predominantly shine. China has so far successfully implemented a series of seven phases of the Agricultural Technical Cooperation Project, with the eighth phase on its way to implementation. With hundreds of projects implemented during those previous phases, China extended crucial funding to propel Dominica's agricultural modernization through measures such as training, equipment, input support, and advanced machinery.

During Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit's official visit to Beijing, several bilateral cooperation agreements are set to be signed, alongside a crucial meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. This visit promises to further enhance political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, cement traditional friendship, and bring the China-Dominica relationship to a new level. Hence, Roosevelt Skerrit's ongoing visit symbolizes not merely a diplomatic formality but a reaffirmation of the enduring bonds that bind China and Dominica in a shared quest for peace and prosperity.

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