WILLEMSTAD – The Chinese consulate in Curaçao has demanded a public apology from Dr. Miguel Goede or the local news platform Curacao.nu, following an opinion article in which Goede linked China to what he called a “new spirit of colonialism.” In a sharply worded response, Acting Consul General Wang Fanfu called the statement “absurd slander” and accused the author of distorting facts. 

Goede’s opinion piece, published on April 21 on Curacao.nu, mentioned both China and former U.S. President Donald Trump in the context of what he described as growing colonial influence over small nations. The Chinese consulate’s official response, sent by email to the news outlet on April 24, strongly condemned these remarks. 

The consul emphasized that China, with its 5,000-year history, has never participated in colonialism or invasions like the Western powers did in the past. He cited the negative impact of Western modernization on regions such as China and Curaçao and argued that China achieved its own independence and development “through great sacrifice.” 

Furthermore, the consulate underlined that China’s path to modernization is fundamentally different from the West’s. Rather than domination, Wang said, China focuses on global peace and cooperation. He stressed that China seeks economic partnerships with developing nations and supports smaller countries through mutual agreements and shared benefits. 

The consulate suggested that Dr. Goede either lacks knowledge of China’s history and present-day reality or is operating from a Cold War mentality. The statement claimed that the article hurt the feelings of the Chinese people, and requested a public apology from either the author or the media outlet. It also called on Curacao.nu to publish the consulate’s rebuttal. 

Lastly, the consulate expressed openness to a dialogue with the editors of Curacao.nu, proposing a “free and friendly exchange of thoughts” to promote better understanding of China.