China upheld as model for diplomacy

Win-win principle fairer than focus on rivalry, Guyana's ex-president says

China's model of win-win diplomacy should not remain exclusively for China, and the world would be a far better place if the principle became more universal, said Donald Ramotar, former president of Guyana.

"I don't believe that international interests conflict with national interests," Ramotar told China Daily in an exclusive interview.

He recalls how these views were reinforced during his meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"I was extremely impressed with his creativity," Romatar said. "His plans really demonstrate China's policy of a win-win situation in diplomacy, not necessarily looking for a zero-sum game like many countries in the West."

Ramotar, who was the president of Guyana from 2011 to 2015, cites the example of sugar production in his motherland in South America.

Guyana has been producing sugar for over 300 years, but the country remains a basic producer of raw sugar, and the only investment from Western countries was in the form of basic materials, he said.

By contrast, he witnessed how China has invested in the productive capacity and human capital of countries, building infrastructure and helping schools and hospitals.

"China has adopted friendly relations of promoting peace and mutual benefits to each other, trying to build friendship and not to build tensions around the world," Ramotar said.

He believes the code of mutual benefits and mutual assistance is particularly important as the world faces common challenges.

In March 2021, Guyana received a shipment of COVID-19 vaccines donated by China to help the country combat the pandemic.

"China has distributed more vaccines than any other country did," Romatar said. "It has shown concern for all humanity and what is taking place in the world."

Ramotar's confidence in China also comes from his observation of the nation's domestic development.

He speaks highly of China's poverty alleviation campaign, calling it a "tremendous achievement".

From Ramotar's perspective, such an achievement is inseparable from the people's support and people's participation.

"I firmly believe that there cannot be any social or economic development without democracy," he said. "The structure created by the CPC took into account China's long history and large population, allowing China's democracy to flourish."

The former president also is closely watching China's latest efforts to promote common prosperity, noting this task will be more difficult.

This is not a Robin Hood situation of simply taking from the rich and giving to the poor, Ramotar said. China is now focusing on stimulating the potential for development in rural areas. And achieving high-quality development is still very important for China, he added.

"But I have every faith in the CPC, The Party has shown tremendous creativity in every stage of the struggle in China for a better life."