On December 10, H. E. Ambassador Wang Zonglai published an article in the newspaper the Sun titled China: Always a Friend of Other Developing Countries. The article is as follows:

March 23, 2004 is a very special day for our countries, because on that day, the People's Republic of China and the Commonwealth of Dominica established diplomatic relations. Since then, we have seen constant, steady and sound development in our bilateral relations. Our communications are increased, our cooperation enlarged, and our friendship deepened. The Chinese side feels honoured to have joined in the efforts of the Dominican Government and people to build a more beautiful Nature Island. At the same time, Dominica has been a strong supporter of the One China Policy, which is related to China's sovereignty and core interests. Our countries have also cooperated closely in international affairs, especially in the United Nations, upholding the common interests of developing countries.

Meanwhile, there have been some concerns and doubts on the purpose of China's contributions to developing countries. As far as I can see, the main reason is a lack of information about China's stance on the relations with other developing countries. I would like to invite dear readers to join me in looking at the bigger picture.

I. Why does China choose to be a friend and partner of other developing countries?

China considers other developing countries as important partners on the path of peaceful development and important power in the promotion of world multipolarization and democratization of international relations. China and many other developing countries had similar painful experiences of being invaded or colonized and suffering from oppression and poverty, and had the same desire for equal treatment and mutual respect. After gaining independence or liberation, China and other developing countries treated each other as equal friends and supported each other, especially in the cause of seeking development and prosperity.

It is well known that China is one of the five permanent members of UN Security Council that have the power of veto. On October 25, 1971, Resolution 2758 was passed by the UN General Assembly with 76 countries supporting, 35 opposing and 17 abstaining, recognizing the PRC as the sole legitimate government of China. Most of the 76 supportive votes came from developing countries. When the result was announced, the representatives of those countries cheered and danced as if it were their own countries that gained their seats.

As the only developing country among the five UNSC permanent members, China cooperated closely with other developing countries, upholding their sovereignty, dignity and common interests. On the UN reform issue, China has consistently advocated increasing the representation and voice of developing countries.

II. What has China done to demonstrate the friendship?

Countless examples like the above-mentioned one made China believe that because developing countries had similar sufferings and mutual sympathy, we could communicate with and understand each other more easily, and have extensive common interests. China also learned that though as developing countries we may be weak, once united we shall not be moved.

Although China is still a developing country, with its GDP per capita ranking around the 90th place in the world, we have made concrete efforts in supporting the development of other developing countries. By 2011, 2200 projects in other developing countries, including the Windsor Park Stadium in Dominica, have been completed with the funding of the Chinese Government; Debts of 50 underdeveloped and least developed countries have been discharged; over 60,000 people from 173 developing countries have got trained with the support of the Chinese Government. According to a research done by the British newspaper Financial Times, other developing countries received more loans from China than from the World Bank in 2009 and 2010.

III. What will China do in the coming years?

To answer this question, I would like to quote messages delivered by Chinese leaders in the recently-concluded 18th National Congress of CPC: we will increase unity and cooperation with other developing countries, work with them to uphold the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and support efforts to increase their representation and voice in international affairs. China will remain a reliable friend and sincere partner of other developing countries.

To be more detailed, China will stick to the principles of mutual respect, equal treatment, non-interference of domestic issues, equality for both big and small countries, and respect to the choices of social systems and paths of development made by other developing countries. China will continue to be devoted to the democratization of international relations, strengthen coordination and cooperation with other developing countries in international affairs, promote the overall unity and uphold the overall interests of developing countries. China will continue to offer assistance within its capacity to other developing countries and support them in increasing their capabilities of independent development. China will also continue to promote multi-level and multi-form communications with other developing countries, including those between young people, women, civil society, media and research institutions, and constantly deepen the cooperation and friendship with other developing countries.

China and Dominica are both developing countries and have many common interests and similar stances on international affairs. I firmly believe that with your understanding and support, dear Dominican friends, we will see a bright future of the bilateral relations between China and Dominica.