China Bristles at Growing Ties Between the U.S. And Oil-Rich Guyana

China’s government expressed discontent over strengthening ties between Guyana and the United States, following online comments a day after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the South American country, Bert Wilkinson reported for the Associated Press (AP).

After his meeting with Ali, Rubio traveled to Suriname, where he made a pointed remark about the rugged conditions of Guyana’s airport road, which was built with Chinese assistance. I Photo: U.S. Department of State

The Chinese remarks came after Guyanese President Irfaan Ali stated that his oil-rich nation would give the US preferential treatment over other countries, following Washington’s pledge to respond forcefully if neighboring Venezuela attempts to annex Guyanese territory, as it has threatened.

The Chinese Embassy in Guyana posted on Facebook on Friday, emphasizing that China has always prioritized “China-Guyana Friendship.”

The statement highlighted China’s $1.4 billion in annual trade with Guyana and several major infrastructure projects undertaken by Chinese firms, many secured through Chinese loans.

These include the new Demerara Harbor Bridge, the China-Guyana Joe Vieira Park, six regional hospitals, and the East Coast Demerara Road project.

After his meeting with Ali, Rubio traveled to Suriname, where he made a pointed remark about the rugged conditions of Guyana’s airport road, which was built with Chinese assistance.

“They don’t do a bad job; they do a terrible job,” the US diplomat said, criticizing China’s overseas projects.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro also lashed out at Rubio, calling him an “imbecile” following the American official’s visit to neighboring Guyana.