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Guyana - China Relations

The relations between China and Guyana have a long history although the two countries are oceans apart. As early as 1853, the first group of the Chinese people arrived in Guyana. Since then, generations of Chinese people have been living harmoniously with the local people and become one of the six largest ethnic groups of Guyana. Guyana took the lead among the English-speaking Caribbean countries in establishing diplomatic ties with China on June 27, 1972. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the relations between China and Guyana have developed rapidly. The two countries have been deepening mutual political trust, expanding economic and trade cooperation and maintaining more and more frequent exchanges in the fields of health, education and culture. The GDF benefits from a security cooperation agreement with China. Specifically, there is a Line of Credit with the Chinese Military to the tune of five hundred thousand United States dollars (US$500,000) that enables that country to supply non lethal military materiel. The line of credit is renewed by agreement and to date it approximates to every two years. The agreement with China also allowed for military training of Officers and ranks at Chinese Military Schools. This training is a combat multiplier at the staff and operational levels and soon to be a multiplier at the technical level. There are significant benefits for continued bilateral cooperation agreements with the Chinese Military as that country is clearly a major player on the international stage. The Government of Guyana also engaged China on numerous projects which include the completed construction of the International Convention Centre and significant investments in the mining sector not to mention construction of ferries for waterways. To this end, the Guyana Defence Force anticipated the provision of specialised military, air and naval training as the security cooperation agreement with the Chinese Military matures over the years. The PRC funded the most recent addition to the Georgetown skyline, a USD five million convention center. The Chinese laborers brought to Guyana to work on the project completed their work in late 2005. Since then, the Office of the President (OP) held several high- profile events there, which have been near-fiascos due to a various technical difficulties. The kick-off of the national Information Communication Technology (ICT) strategy in March 2006 was delayed nearly two hours because the audio-visual system did not work. Local staff were observed feverishly trying to change the display on the main hall's monitor, the instructions for which were written in Chinese. Complicating matters further, the convention center's electrical outlets are designed for Chinese plugs. A problem with the air conditioning system during the Presidential Summit on Private Sector Development in May 2006 left the VIP audience sweltering. The Commander in Chief’s vision to see the Guyana Defence Force return to playing a critical role in the development of communities countrywide is better positioned to take off in a major way following the receipt of a significant contribution of heavy duty, construction and earth moving equipment from the Chinese government. The donation consisted of 31 pieces of equipment, including patrol boats, bulldozers, one excavator, water tankers, tipper trucks, off-road ambulances and several other vehicles.

President David Granger who attended the 04 April 2017 event emphasized that the vessels are a welcome addition to the Force’s riverine fleet, while the other equipment will improve the capability of the Engineer Corps. “We look forward to the continued support of the People’s Liberation Army and the People’s Republic of China, especially in strengthening the technical capability of the Defence Force. This ceremony is a tangible expression of the commitment of our two republics to international peace and security. This ceremony is an expression of the fraternal ties between the Guyana Defence Force and the People’s Liberation Army. This ceremony is a symbol of the friendship between Guyana and China,” the President said.

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Ciu Jianchun was certain of his governments continue support to the Guyana Defence Force through its counterpart, the People’s Liberation Army. The Ambassador noted that the Government of China highly values the relationship between the two countries and that the People’s Republic of China stands ready to further broaden and deepen the exchange and cooperation between the military forces of the two country. “For many years, the PLA has been providing military aid and training to the GDF, which is beneficial to the development of the GDF and the friendship between the two sides. This handing over of military equipment at this time is once again a significant testimony of the friendly and practical cooperation between the PLA and the GDF, “he asserted.