On January 1, 2013, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao exchanged congratulatory messages with Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Baldwin Spencer to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

In his message, Wen said relations between China and Antigua and Barbuda have been increasingly consolidated in the past 30 years. The two countries have witnessed enhanced political mutual trust, fruitful cooperation in economy and trade, infrastructure and culture, and sound coordination on international affairs, he said. Facts proved that amity between China and Antigua and Barbuda conforms to the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples, Wen said. China attaches great importance to the friendly cooperative relations with Antigua and Barbuda, and is ready to work with the Caribbean country to further enhance cooperation and push forward bilateral ties, Wen said.

In his message, Spencer said the Antigua and Barbuda government and people highly value the relations with China. He said he would like to join hands with China to deepen the pragmatic cooperation in all areas in the principle of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, seize opportunities and tackle challenges to push bilateral relations to a higher level.

On the same day, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi exchanged congratulatory messages with Spencer.