中文
Editor's note: Chinese President Xi Jinping once remarked, "Without full confidence in our culture, without a rich and prosperous culture, the Chinese nation will not be able to rejuvenate itself." As China forges a new path of modernization, its ancient heritage is being revitalized in the new era. Recognizing the importance of cultural exchange, CGTN's Decision Makers column introduces the series "Bridging the world, boosting cultures," inviting ambassadors to share their insights on China, its civilization, and cultural communication. Analisa Low is the Ambassador of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the People's Republic of China. This is the fourth article in the series.
By Analisa Low
At the heart of the Trinidad and Tobago – China relationship lies a deep-rooted cultural connection dating back to the 1800s with Trinidad and Tobago being the very first country in the Latin American and Caribbean region to welcome Chinese immigrants to our shores 218 years ago. Since the mid 19th century, both nations benefitted from a long history and tradition of exchanges of people, knowledge, and values, resulting in a formidable partnership that continues to evolve with shared interests and cultural ties.
Being a person of Chinese ancestry with Trinidadian identity and acting as a bridge between Trinidad and Tobago and China has deep personal significance.
Both of my paternal grandparents originated from Zhongshan, Guangdong Province and left China in the late 1940s for new opportunities. My grandmother, who is today still fiercely courageous, made the journey by herself from Hong Kong to Trinidad at the age of 20 years old, ready to experience a new life in a small British colony some 16,000 kilometers away.
While my grandmother travelled with very few material possessions, she carried with her the values and time-honored traditions of Chinese culture and customs halfway across the world. Her unwavering commitment to family, serving the community, and her resolve to always honor and respect the hard work and sacrifices made by our elders for future generations are just some of the principles that provide guidance and grounding for my generation in the family.
From my time living in China, I have observed that these same values are a major driving force behind Chinese modernization, and the commitment towards the common development of its people and the vision of "building a community of a shared future for mankind." These all make up the backbone of the contemporary Chinese value system.
The stellar contributions made by Chinese migrants and their descendants in the fields of politics, medicine, business, science, and the creative industry played a pivotal role in shaping the Trinidad and Tobago that we can boast of today – a multi-ethnic society, powered by the rich talent and diversity of its people. Prominent especially as business people and professionals, the Chinese community has exercised influence out of all proportion to its numerical size in Trinidad and Tobago society.
Trinidad and Tobago's Chinese community has produced influential figures that contributed significantly to the political and cultural landscapes of both of our countries. For instance, Mr Carlisle Chang, a Trinidadian of Chinese descent, designed Trinidad and Tobago's national emblems – the Coat of Arms and the national flag, upon our independence in 1962, and went on to be a key figure in the development of our young nation's art and culture scene.
Actors of the National Ballet of China perform during the Ballet "A Dream of Red Mansions" at the Beijing Tianqiao Theater in Beijing, capital of China, February 10, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]
As for Trinidad and Tobago's cultural influence in China, Madame Dai Ailian who was born and raised in Trinidad in 1916, became one of China's most influential dance icons in the sphere of the performing arts. Known as the pioneer of Chinese modern dance, she was involved in the creation and leading performance of the first ballet in China – "Dove of Peace" in the 1950s, co-founded the National Ballet of China, and was the first president of the world-renowned Beijing Dance Academy. Her legacy has supported the professional training and creative energy of both Chinese and international dance aficionados studying at the Academy today.
These cultural connections have been pivotal in enhancing the formal ties between our two countries by cultivating rich people-to-people exchanges, and creating a foundation of trust, mutual respect and meaningful interaction to the benefit of both nations. Our respective cultural exchanges have been a source of enrichment and inspiration, fostering a deeper understanding, and reverence of Chinese culture and customs in Trinidad and Tobago.
Today, Trinidad and Tobago and China are continuing in the tradition of supporting reciprocal cultural exchanges. This year, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Trinidad and Tobago and China, I had the honor of witnessing another historic first for our two great nations – Trinidad and Tobago's national instrument, the steelpan, being played on the Great Wall of China for the very first time. The physical connection of the two most iconic cultural symbols of our respective countries symbolize a celebration of our rich cultural heritage, and our joint commitment to furthering the relationship and meaningful exchanges between our two nations.
As Trinidad and Tobago and China explore new areas of collaboration and strive towards an even more dynamic partnership following this year's milestone of 50 years of diplomatic ties, the relationship between our two countries illustrates the far-reaching impact of meaningful cultural exchanges as the foundation for formidable bonds of friendship based on mutual respect and understanding.
Cultural exchange fosters empathy, builds trust between nations and allows countries to connect on a deeper level, beyond political and economic interests, and contributes to lasting peace and cooperation. In that regard, as exemplified in the relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and China, cultural exchange is not just a tool for effective diplomacy – it is the heart of it.
Analisa Low is the Ambassador of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the People's Republic of China.
