China and the future of LAC diplomacy: A seat at the table for Saint Lucia

Editor's note: Casey Jerson is a member of Saint Lucia–China Friendship Association. The article reflects the author's views and not necessarily those of CGTN.

"Since the modern era began, to realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation has become the greatest dream of the Chinese nation. Chinese people never yield to reverses, and they stand firm and indomitable. With the spirit of fighting the enemy to the end," Chinese President Xi Jinping once said.

In an age where power is often expressed through dominance, and diplomacy sometimes takes a back seat to coercion, the words of President Xi carry a tone both defiant and visionary. They reflect a civilization rooted in history, rising again with quiet confidence and unshakable intent.

At the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum held in Beijing on May 13, 2025, China once again positioned itself not merely as a superpower, but as a partner. A partner with a plan, a philosophy and a promise.

President Xi's address at the opening ceremony was not the rhetoric of a country seeking to expand influence by force or fiat. Instead, it was an invitation. One extended to nations often marginalized in global decision-making. One rooted in the ideals of mutual respect, shared prosperity and global balance.

He outlined five cornerstone initiatives – Solidarity, Development, Civilization, Peace, and People-to-People Connectivity – that aim to deepen cooperation between China and LAC states. These are not mere diplomatic talking points. They are philosophical frameworks. In them, one can trace echoes of Confucian harmony, socialist solidarity, and a belief in the common destiny of humanity.

As a citizen of Saint Lucia, I was both honored and heartened to witness our inclusion at this prestigious forum, I was privileged to view an insightful conversation conducted by CGTN with Earl Bousquet, former Press Secretary to the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and President of the Saint Lucia–China Friendship Association.

His message was clear: the status quo is unsustainable.

According to Bousquet, the deepening global role of China makes it inevitable that Saint Lucia – and other nations like ours – will eventually recalibrate their foreign policy. China's model of cooperation, he noted, offers real, tangible opportunities in trade, investment, healthcare, education, science, and cultural exchange. These are not just economic interests, but human ones.

He added that when formal ties are re-established, it will not be a question of capitulation or alignment, but of vision - choosing to walk alongside a country that stands with, rather than over, its partners.

Indeed, to observe China's modern rise is to witness a civilization fulfilling its promise not just to its people, but to the world. In less than half a century, it has lifted hundreds of millions from poverty, pioneered innovation at an unprecedented scale, and aligned its development model with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. That is not accidental – it is philosophical. It speaks to a belief that greatness is measured not in dominance, but in what one can offer to others.

As the multipolar world takes shape, the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean find themselves at a crossroads. One path leads to the repetition of old dependencies; the other, to new partnerships rooted in respect, sovereignty and shared progress.

Having been present in Beijing, hearing the speeches, and feeling the collective sense of purpose among LAC leaders, I left with a conviction: the future of our region will not be written by those who insist on backyard politics, but by those who extend their hands in collaboration.

China's "win-win" policy is not a slogan – it is a blueprint. And for Saint Lucia, the time is drawing near to rejoin that global conversation in full.

After all, the tides of history favor those who dare to steer their own course.