As a means of cementing its relationship with St. George's, the Government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) last week dispatched a Special Envoy to welcome the new Government of Prime Minister Tillman Thomas.
Although having already given a congratulatory message to the new Government in St. George's, Special Envoy of the Chinese Government for Caribbean Affairs, Ambassador Zhao Zhenyu personally journeyed to Grenada to extend his government's congratulation to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government that took Office following the July 8 General Elections
Thomas' Congress party which was in opposition for the past 13 years, caused a major upset at the polls by winning 11 of the 15 parliamentary seats.
During his visit, the Chinese Ambassador met with Prime Minister Thomas and Foreign Affairs Minister, Peter David and also paid a courtesy call on the new Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Keith Mitchell.
Ambassador Zhenyu said the Chinese Government is ready to continue the co-operation that already exist with Grenada.
The visiting envoy promised that there will be good co-operation in the areas of politics, economics, trade, health, infrastructure and agriculture.
In addressing a reception that was held in honour of the Special Envoy's visit, resident Chinese Ambassador, Zhang Wanhai spoke of being hopeful that the visit will further enhance the relationship between Beijing and St. George's.
Wanhai looked at how the relationship that was established between the two countries three and half years ago has developed.
He spoke of assistance being given in the areas of sports, health, agriculture, culture, and military.
"Our two countries support each other in international affairs," he said.
The Resident Chinese Ambassador commented on the developments that have been taking place between Mainland China and the Republic of China on Taiwan in recent times.
"In Grenada you have a new government. In China there are some other developments. I would like to say that there are some positive developments in which, just recently, the Head of the Leader of the.... the ruling party of the Taiwan Government... visited China, and the leaders of the parties had a very good talk, and recently there are some other developments between the two States", he said.
"There are some positive developments, and in future we are working together with both sides of the people, and we doing everything as we could to unify our country, if possible," he added.
However, Ambassador Wanhai pointed out that the People's Republic of China (PRC) still holds to the principle of one China policy.
The Grenada Foreign Affairs Minister who was among a number of Government Ministers at the reception gave his government's commitment in supporting the one China policy.
"We have expressed over the last several years... our deep commitment to the one China principle... We believe in the one China principle. We have expressed our full commitment to that, and we want your government and you to rest assured that the support with respect to the one China principle will continue under an NDC Government," said David.
According to the new Foreign Minister, the NDC government looks forward to the strengthening of the ties that already exist between the two countries.
"We look forward to better and deeper relations. We have had talks with the Special Envoy. We have expressed our desire to deepen relations with the People's Republic of China," he said.
Minister David used the opportunity to express Grenada's gratitude to the Government and People of the PRC for the part they have played and continue to play in the island's development.
He said the decision taken by the Chinese Government to send a Special Envoy to welcome the new Congress administration is a good signal that will not go unnoticed.
"We are very pleased that they (the Chinese) have chosen this path to recognise the new government in this country," he added.
Grenada broke off diplomatic relationship with Taiwan in 2005, and immediately established diplomatic relationship with mainland China.
