China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Yang Yang, has forcefully dismissed allegations by U.S. Congressman Gabe Evans that Beijing is expanding its influence in Guyana through strategic investments and infrastructure projects.
In an opinion piece published in the Sunday edition of the Kaieteur News, Ambassador Yang described the claims as “entirely unfounded” and rooted in “prejudice and misinformation.”
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China Defends Its Partnership with Guyana
Yang said the relationship between China and Guyana has been built on mutual respect, development cooperation, and shared prosperity rather than geopolitical rivalry.
“The truth is simple: although China and Guyana are separated by great distance, our two countries have long walked side by side on the path toward development and prosperity,” she wrote.
Her response followed a letter from Congressman Evans to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in which he warned that China was increasing its presence in Guyana using a “tried-and-true playbook” of infrastructure financing and investment to gain political leverage.
Evans urged Washington to closely monitor Beijing’s activities in the resource-rich South American nation.
Major Chinese Investments in Guyana
Ambassador Yang argued that Chinese-backed projects have produced significant benefits for Guyana, including job creation, improved infrastructure, and stronger economic growth.
Among the projects she highlighted were:
- The new Demerara River Bridge
- Six regional hospitals
- The China-Guyana Joe Vieira Friendship Park
She noted that Chinese investment in Guyana reached approximately US$2.89 billion in 2025, representing an increase of more than 105 percent compared with the previous year.
Strengthening Diplomatic Ties
Yang said bilateral relations have accelerated under the leadership of President Irfaan Ali and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
She pointed to President Ali’s 2023 visit to China, during which both countries agreed to align China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030.
According to the ambassador, the partnership has entered a “fast track” of development.
Medical and Educational Contributions
Beyond infrastructure and investment, Yang emphasized China’s long-standing support in healthcare and education.
Since 1993, China has sent 21 medical brigades to Guyana, comprising more than 300 healthcare professionals. These teams have reportedly treated over 1.3 million patients and performed more than 70,000 surgeries, including outreach services in remote hinterland communities.
The ambassador also highlighted the work of the Confucius Institute at the University of Guyana, which she said has trained more than 5,000 students and hosted nearly 200 cultural events over the past 12 years.
“These growing exchanges are bringing the peoples of our two countries closer together than ever before,” she said.
Guyana at the Center of Global Interest
Without directly mentioning the United States, Yang rejected the notion that Guyana must choose between competing global powers.
“Modernization is not the privilege of a few countries, but the shared right of all,” she wrote, adding that China remains committed to working with Guyana and other developing nations in a spirit of openness, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation.
Political analysts say the exchange highlights the growing diplomatic competition between Beijing and Washington as Guyana’s oil wealth, mineral resources, and strategic location continue to draw increasing international attention.
Recent data from the Brazil-China Business Council showed that Guyana ranked among the top destinations for Chinese outbound investment in 2025, accounting for 5.7 percent of total Chinese overseas capital flows.
