We have noted that a certain U.S. State Department official recently used his personal social media account to smear and attack projects undertaken by Chinese companies in Guyana. Such remarks disregard the facts and constitute political manipulation and malicious smears against normal China-Guyana economic and trade cooperation. The Chinese Embassy in Guyana firmly opposes them.

Chinese companies have been part of Guyana’s development for many years, investing in the country and contributing to its modernization. From the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge and the China-Guyana Friendship Joe Vieira Park to the Six Regional Hospitals, Those projects have helped improve infrastructure, create jobs and support economic and social development, earning broad recognition across Guyanese society.

A true friend is not someone who stands at a distance and tells you who you should or should not work with. A true friend is someone who stands with you when you need support, brings opportunities when you are moving forward, and works with you, on the basis of mutual respect, to get things done. A certain country might be better served by reflecting on itself rather than pointing fingers at others. Guyana and other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have every right to choose their own partners and pursue the path of development that works best for them, free from outside interference. We oppose any attempt to politicize normal trade and economic cooperation or cast it in ideological terms.

Facts have shown, and will continue to show, that China is a trustworthy friend and partner of Guyana, and that Chinese companies are important participants in and contributors to Guyana’s development. We stand ready to further deepen practical cooperation with Guyana across various fields and deliver more tangible and accessible benefits to our two countries and peoples.