INTRODUCTION
Guyana and the People’s Republic of China established diplomatic relations on the 27th June 1972. Since that time relations between the two countries have expanded and have been productive in such important areas as the economy, politics, culture, economic ties, and people-to-people relations. These relations have been improved and deepened by visits of senior officials of both countries over the decades. In particular, it must be noted that President Arthur Chung, Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, Foreign Minister Rashleigh Jackson and other senior officials of the Party and Government have also played a role in the deepening and expanding in these relations.
Initially, relations between the two countries were formal and basic and were confined to limited areas such as clay brick production and other rudimentary economic activities. As the circumstances in both countries changed there was scope and possibility for an expansion and an intensification of relations. And indeed this is what transpired. It is interesting that the change in Guyana’s economic management and circumstances roughly coincides with the policy of “reform and opening up” in China.
As China became a global economic power house, it was able to expand its economic footprint in Guyana. As the two countries celebrated the Golden Anniversary of relations, the economic dimensions of those relations have undergone a major revolution. Chinese companies now participate in major infrastructural projects such as the building of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, major roadway networks, and technology projects while relations have proceeded along educational, cultural and institutional lines. Indeed it may be argued that Guyana economic relations with China constitute its most important bilateral diplomatic relationship. This relationship has received a fillip from the discovery of oil by Guyana and this is likely to facilitate its expansion. All of this does not mean that relations in other spheres have not progressed in equal measure. In fact, they have. The political conditions which led to the establishment of relations fifty years ago have served to expand them in the political sphere. These two countries, though separated by vast geographical difference, have nevertheless continued the relationship on the basis of some essential principles such as the non-interference in the internal affairs of State, the sanctity of Treaties, the peaceful resolution of disputes among States and the non-use of force in the solution of international problems. Moreover, Guyana and China continue to have common positions in multilateral for such as the United Nations, the G77 and China, and other for a which make for the integration of Latin America and which take account of the need to address the issues of the environment.
It is only logical and prudent that the relationship which has been sustained with success over more than fifty years should be recorded for posterity as an example of a successful collaboration between two States, even though it is of an asymmetric nature. This booklet is intended to be a record of that relationship. It captures the initial period of that relationship, the circumstances which have sustained it and the various personalities who have played a part in its success.
R.M. Austin, CCH Former Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China (PRC).