The first ambassador from the People's Republic of China to Jamaica, Mr Li Cheo, highlighted a new chapter in diplomatic relations between Jamaica and China. Mr Li Chao expressed optimism about the prospects for cooperation, emphasising the shared status of both countries as developing nations. He highlighted China's commitment to treating Jamaica as an equal partner.

Published Friday, July 13, 1973

New Chinese ambassador arrives

The first ambassador to Jamaica from the People's Republic of China, Mr Li Chao, on his arrival here yesterday, said with the establishment of diplomatic relations there were bright prospects between the two countries and he hoped present ties would be further developed. Speaking to a welcoming gathering in the VIP government lounge at the Norman Manley International Airport, Mr Li Chao said he was glad to be here, that Jamaican was "a beautiful, rich country", and the Jamaican people were “a great people with a fine tradition of revolution”.

Mr Li Chao, speaking through an interpreter, also said that Jamaica and China belonged to the Third World of developing countries, and although China was a much bigger country it believed that, big or small, the two countries were equal and should help each other.

In a welcome speech, Senator the Hon. Dudley Thompson, minister of state in the prime minister's office, said the establishment of diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China was another step for close solidarity between both countries.

Mr Thompson said the ambassador should not be surprised to find many people here who look like himself but he should not make the mistake that they were Chinese. "They are Jamaicans," he added to applause. Senator Thompson went on to say to the ambassador, “In their days everybody needs friends and it is good to know that one of our friends is the great Republic of China.”

The new ambassador was accompanied by his wife and four members of his embassy staff. They were welcomed at the airport by members of the embassy staff already here and by prominent members of the local Chinese community.

Also in the welcoming party were Messeurs Galan Scott and Louis Reid, of the Ministry External Affairs.

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