Ambassador not alarmed by attacks on Chinese

Despite an increase in attacks against Chinese nationals in Trinidad, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China Song Yumin says he is not particularly alarmed by such incidents, as they have not occurred on a frequent enough basis to be considered a serious threat.

Newsday spoke to Yumin following his feature address at celebrations marking the 68th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port of Spain on Tuesday evening. He said while he was concerned over a recent spate of attacks against Chinese, he was confident in the abilities of the TTPS and assured that they were not being targeted by criminals.

“From what I understand with my correspondence with the local police, there is no trend to indicate that the Chinese are being singled out or targeted any more than any other group in Trinidad. We also look at the amount of Chinese living in T&T who have not been the victims of crime in contrast those who have and the figures show that they are isolated incidents.

He said that intense discussions with officials within the National Security Ministry and the police service have yielded results and was optimistic that both parties were working towards ensuring a safer future for both citizens and visitors.

Newsday also spoke to Minister of National Security Edmund Dillon who agreed with Yumin, adding that reported incidents of violence against Chinese nationals represented a minority of crimes adding that the Ministry remains committed to securing T&T for all inhabitants.

“The Ministry is always concerned, by all reports of crime, however there is no upsurge in crime against Chinese nationals. All you need to do is look at the number of Chinese living in T&T who have not been the victims of crime in contrast to those who have been victims and you will see that they are isolated events.”

During his address, Yumin said that both T&T and China have enjoyed a rich history of close diplomatic ties and looked towards the future in strengthening relations in all aspects of life, from national security, education and healthcare, citing discussions with Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh to increase the number of Chinese doctors in T&T.

Dillon said that in the past, the Chinese government has been of invaluable support to T&T and it’s efforts to secure maritime boundaries adding that government was ready to further its partnership through trade and infrastructure into the next era.