At a celebratory reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Morne Daniel to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, top leadership from Dominica has reaffirmed the Caribbean nation’s longstanding commitment to its bilateral partnership with China, while outlining a vision for expanded collaboration across key development sectors.
Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit opened his remarks by extending warm congratulations to China on its national anniversary, and emphasized that more than two decades of diplomatic engagement have built a robust foundation of trust between the two nations and their peoples.
“As we look ahead, I hope we will deepen that cooperation further,” Skerrit told attendees. “There is much we can continue to accomplish through knowledge exchange, workforce training, and targeted investment in the public services and economic opportunities that the people of Dominica need.”
The prime minister went on to reaffirm Dominica’s unwavering stance as an all-weather friend to China, noting that the country will always steadfastly uphold and respect the One-China principle, a core pillar of the bilateral relationship since diplomatic ties were established 22 years ago.
To illustrate the tangible impact of the partnership, Skerrit highlighted two landmark collaborative projects that have transformed public services in Dominica. The first is the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital, where Chinese medical teams have worked side-by-side with local health care workers for years, transferring critical clinical expertise and strengthening the country’s overall public health system. Skerrit said the Dominican people remain deeply grateful for this sustained contribution to their well-being.
In the education sector, Skerrit recalled China’s critical support following the devastation of Hurricane Maria, which destroyed school infrastructure across the island. In response, China committed funding and resources to reconstruct six damaged schools, including the new Goodwill Secondary School (GSS) and multiple community primary schools. These new facilities provide students with safe, modern learning environments and give teachers fit-for-purpose spaces to deliver instruction. Skerrit added that the upgraded GSS has also expanded access to technical and vocational education programs, equipping young Dominicans with practical skills to compete for emerging economic opportunities.
Speaking at the same event, Chinese Ambassador to Dominica Chu Maoming echoed Skerrit’s call for deeper engagement, noting that for 22 years, Dominica has consistently stood as a reliable good friend and partner to China in the Caribbean region. Ambassador Chu pointed out that the two nations share deep mutual trust, and hold aligned perspectives on core issues of state governance and global affairs.
He added that China greatly values Dominica’s consistent adherence to the One-China principle, and remains fully supportive of Dominica’s efforts to pursue a national development path tailored to its own unique domestic conditions.
Ambassador Chu also recognized the solidarity extended by Dominica following a recent tragic landslide disaster at China’s Jirung port that caused heavy casualties and property damage. He noted that both Dominican President Charles Savarin (corrected from original text reference) and Prime Minister Skerrit promptly sent official messages of condolence to Chinese President Xi Jinping, a gesture that reflects the deep mutual affection and friendship between the governments and peoples of the two countries. Looking forward, Ambassador Chu confirmed China’s commitment to continue deepening mutual trust, and expanding coordination and collaborative projects with Dominica for shared benefit.