Paulette Bethel, ambassador of the Bahamas to China, delivers a speech before a documentary screening in Beijing, March 13, 2025. [Photo by Liao Jiaxin/China.org.cn]

The Embassy of the Bahamas in Beijing marked International Women's Day on March 13 with a documentary screening that celebrated women's achievements while highlighting deepening cultural ties between China and the Bahamas. The event featured a compelling documentary titled "Womanish Ways," directed by the Bahamian filmmaker Marion Bethel, which chronicles the suffrage movement and women's historic struggle for the right to vote.

The event brought together a diverse group of diplomats, international representatives and other guests, sparking vibrant discussions on women's empowerment and cross-cultural dialogue. 

In an interview with China.org.cn following the event, Paulette Bethel, ambassador of the Bahamas to China, shared her optimistic vision for the future of bilateral relations: "My wish is that they will grow and expand, and become wider, bigger, warmer and brighter."

Ambassador Bethel also emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges in diplomacy. "I personally believe that cultural exchanges are a very important part of diplomacy," she said. "The Bahamas Embassy is very much engaged in that sort of undertaking. Tonight's event of showing this documentary film is one such endeavor."

Bethel also revealed plans for future cultural initiatives, including an art exhibition in Beijing and possibly other Chinese cities early next year. "We are in the process of speaking with several artists from the Bahamas to bring their works to China," she said. "We are definitely on a road to many cultural exchanges, and we're hoping that, as a result of that particular activity, we will someday be able to invite some Chinese artists to go to the Bahamas and stay for a while and create while they're there."

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1997, China and the Bahamas have witnessed steady growth in their bilateral partnership. Recent years have seen strengthened cooperation in trade, agriculture and tourism.

Cultural and educational exchanges have also flourished, further cementing ties between the two nations. In 2024, China launched capacity-building programs for 95 Bahamians, fully funding 34 participants to take part in specialized courses in China. Additionally, 12 faculty members and students from the University of the Bahamas were received as guests to visit China for cultural and educational exchanges, while over 40 Chinese government scholarships were offered to Bahamian students. Chinese cultural troupes, including acrobats, puppeteers and children's art groups, have also performed in the Bahamas, earning widespread praise from local audiences.  

Looking forward, Bethel expressed her hope for enhanced people-to-people exchanges, particularly among the younger generation. "The young people today have many opportunities because they travel a lot and meet a lot of people from other countries during their educational process," she observed. "So, I think we're on the right track. But I do believe that visiting a country and staying there for a while is probably the best way for young people to experience each other's culture."

The event underscored the growing cultural synergy between China and the Bahamas. As the ambassador's words suggest, these exchanges are laying the groundwork for a future defined by deeper understanding, collaboration and friendship between the two nations.