ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended the country’s relationship with China after the two countries signed a US$14 million grant and blue economy feasibility agreement.

“China has been there for us, quietly, respectfully, and consistently. From climate resilience and renewable energy to education, infrastructure, and healthcare, China has played a central role in building our capacity and lifting our people,” Browne told the ceremony.

“Unlike others, China doesn’t ask us to take sides in geopolitical conflicts. They respect our sovereignty and support our development based on solidarity, not strings,” Browne said, reaffirming St John’s commitment to Beijing as a “reliable and principled partner”.

He said his government is willing to serve as an honest broker in global diplomacy to foster peace, particularly amid rising tensions between global powers.

“Geopolitical conflicts don’t create value, they destroy it. We suffer the consequences disproportionately, which is why we advocate for peace and prosperity for all.”

“Our philosophy is one of resilient prosperity. With China’s help, we continue to expand our socio-economic infrastructure and improve the lives of our people,” Prime Minister Browne said.

China’s ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda, Zhan Yanling, affirmed her country’s commitment to building a “shared future” with the Caribbean country, reiterating her confidence that the cooperation will yield transformational outcomes in the years ahead.

The agreements include the US$14 million grant for socioeconomic and infrastructure development, and a technical cooperation agreement to conduct a feasibility study on Antigua and Barbuda’s Blue Economy potential.

Browne, who praised China as one of Antigua and Barbuda’s “most reliable and generous development partners,” said that the grant brings the total value of Chinese-supported development assistance close to one billion US dollars over several decades.

He said that the multi-million dollar grant will directly support critical projects including the replacement of aging water pipes, an area of urgent national priority due to frequent disruptions, as well as housing developments, agricultural initiatives, and solar energy infrastructure.

“This agreement is more than symbolic, it marks the beginning of a new phase of implementation,” said Ambassador Yanling , adding “our cooperation is aligned with the outcomes of the recent China–CELAC Ministerial Forum, and contributes to our shared aspirations for peace, connectivity, and sustainable development”.

She said that the agreements are tangible outcomes of high-level discussions between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Browne, and reflect China’s commitment to supporting Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in their pursuit of resilience and economic diversification.

One of the signed agreements will initiate a feasibility study on Antigua and Barbuda’s Blue Economy, with the support of Chinese technical experts. The initiative seeks to identify pathways for economic growth through the sustainable use of ocean and coastal resources, positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a regional leader in marine-based development.

“This study will help us unlock the untapped value of our marine ecosystems and create new opportunities in aquaculture, eco-tourism, and marine research—areas that are vital for our long-term sustainability,” Prime Minister Browne said.