Editor’s Note
Elegantly dressed in formal attire, there’s a group of people, who always actively engage in important diplomatic and foreign affairs events. Despite their busy schedule, they take time to explore the vibrant streets and alleys of Beijing, immersing themselves in the history and cultural allure of this modern metropolis. Who are they? They are ambassadors representing over 170 countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America and Oceania, in China.
Curious about their impressions of Beijing? Which popular tourist attractions have they visited, and what cuisines do they like? Do they prefer unwinding at a cafe in Sanlitun, cycling along the riverbanks, or taking leisurely strolls after work? Moreover, what messages do they wish to convey to the people of Beijing?
To answer those questions, Beijing Foreign Affairs, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs, Beijing Daily and BRTV have jointly launched the “Beijing in the Eyes of Ambassadors” series. In this episode, we take you to the Embassy of Cabo Verde in China to hear Ambassador Arlindo do Rosário share his Beijing story.
Mr. Arlindo do Rosário, Ambassador of Cabo Verde to China
As its national football team continues performing miracles at the World Cup, Cabo Verde, an African island country with a population of less than 600,000 and an area of just over 4,000 square kilometers, has come into the spotlight.
“The team’s brilliant performance has filled the entire nation with joy and pride!” said Mr. Arlindo do Rosário, Ambassador of Cabo Verde to China. Wearing a scarf patterned with the national flag, the ambassador’s excitement was hard to ignore during his interview with the reporter. He thanked Beijing residents for their attention and appreciation of Cabo Verde. In his view, the friendship between China and Cabo Verde, spanning half a century, has stood the test of time and grown stronger. “Football has the power to unite hearts, further strengthening the deep friendship already shared by our two peoples.”
Click the video to hear Ambassador Rosário’s impressions of Beijing.
Grateful for China’s Support and Assistance
In the early hours of June 16, Beijing time, Cabo Verde played its first match against Spain, one of the World Cup favorites.
Recalling his feelings watching the match, the ambassador said he was both nervous and excited. “Although Spain is one of the best teams in the world, we still have confidence. The Cabo Verdean team may be small, but it has a ‘big heart’!”
The result thrilled all Cabo Verdeans, including Rosário, and the match also reshaped how the world sees this small African country. Cabo Verde then drew consecutive matches with Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, and delivered another impressive performance against Argentina in today’s Round of 32.
On Chinese social media platforms, a Cabo Verdean student in Beijing posted a video of on-site celebrations, which received nearly 30,000 likes. “Congratulations to Cabo Verde. Keep going!” “Your national flag is beautiful, like stars in a deep blue night sky.” “So happy for you. The goalkeeper’s story is very heartwarming.” The comment section was filled with praise and good wishes.
The friendliness and goodwill of the Chinese people deeply moved Rosário. In his eyes, the progress Cabo Verde has made in sports would not have been possible without China’s support and assistance.
The national team’s routine training sessions and the crucial qualifying match that secured its place for the World Cup all took place at the National Stadium in Praia, a China-aided project. The completion of the stadium ended the long-standing absence of international-standard sports facilities in the African island country since its independence.
José Maria Neves, then Prime Minister of Cabo Verde, expressed his gratitude for this project, saying, “This is a dream China has helped us realize,” and “the National Stadium is one of the largest projects since Cabo Verde’s independence.”
Interior View of Cabo Verde’s National Stadium (Composite Photo by Xinhua News Agency)
“With the completion of the stadium, we are able to host more international sporting events, something that all Cabo Verdeans take pride in,” said Rosário. He added that China has also helped Cabo Verde improve its education system and build sports facilities in schools, laying a solid foundation for the development of sports. He particularly emphasized, “China’s contribution has been very important!”
Beijing: Warm, Beautiful, and Inclusive
“If I had to use one word to describe Beijing, I think it would be ‘attractive’,” said Rosário, who came to Beijing at the end of 2022 to serve as Cabo Verde’s ambassador to China. In his eyes, the city is “warm, beautiful and inclusive”.
Thanks to its safe, convenient living environment and warm, friendly atmosphere, Rosário and his family quickly settled into life in the city. According to him, “While boasting a fast-paced lifestyle, Beijing is a well-organized city that gives people a strong sense of security. It also has an extensive transport network, excellent international schools, efficient medical services and diverse leisure options. My family and I are very happy living here.”
Over the nearly four years of work and life in Beijing, Rosário has continuously deepened his understanding of the city. He has a keen interest in exploring Beijing’s rich historical and cultural heritage, visiting museums and historic sites whenever he has the chance. On weekends, he and his family enjoy going out for walks, strolling through hutongs and savoring local delicacies, with Peking duck being a particular favorite.
What has impressed him most is Beijing’s unique blend of tradition and modernity. Rosário finds that “While bearing a significant mark of its ancient history, Beijing also radiates a modern vibe.” He sees the city not only as home to magnificent historical landmarks such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, but also to modern architecture and cutting-edge technology. This fusion is evident even in everyday moments: one can enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in a hutong teahouse and then pay the bill via an advanced digital payment system.
“What is even more valuable is the fine balance the city has struck between rapid development and quality of life,” Rosário remarked. “Beijing’s development is for the people and by the people, and its fruits are shared among the people. All this is ultimately reflected in the ever-improving quality of urban life.”
Welcome to Cabo Verde for Tourism, Sightseeing, Investment and Business
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cabo Verde. The friendship between the two countries, spanning half a century, has stood the test of time and grown stronger, setting an example of mutual respect and friendly cooperation between countries different in size.
Rosário rattled off a series of projects built with Chinese aid: the Palace of National Assembly, the Palace of the Government, the Poilao Dam, the new campus of the University of Cabo Verde, the “Safe City” project, the housing project, and the maternity ward building of the Dr. Baptista de Sousa Hospital, which was handed over last year. In addition, cooperation between the two sides also covers areas such as cultural exchanges, urban construction and management, and technical assistance.
The China-Aided Poilao Dam, Alongside a 500 Cabo Verdean Escudo Banknote Bearing Its Image, Shot on Santiago Island, Cabo Verde (Photo by Xinhua News Agency)
Cabo Verde joined the Belt and Road Initiative in 2018. In September 2024, China-Cabo Verde relations were elevated to a strategic partnership. Rosário said he hopes the two sides will further strengthen cooperation in such areas as renewable energy, the digital economy, tourism, and technological innovation.
Coastal View of Santiago Island, Cabo Verde (Photo by Xinhua News Agency)
More than 500 kilometers west of the Cabo Verde Peninsula, the westernmost point of the African continent, the Cabo Verde archipelago stretches across the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Introducing his country with enthusiasm, Rosário said, “It has a mild climate and stunning volcanic landscapes, and each island has its own unique charm.”
He provided further recommendations for Beijing residents: “On Santiago Island, visitors can gain an in-depth understanding of Cabo Verde’s history and culture. Fogo Island is known for its volcano, wines, and goat cheese. On Sal, Boa Vista, and Maio islands, visitors can go diving and surfing. Santo Antão and São Nicolau are ideal for hiking and extreme sports, while Brava is the island of flowers.”
“I sincerely invite Chinese friends and business people to visit Cabo Verde, discover the beauty of the archipelago, and explore its investment potential,” Ambassador Rosário extended his warm invitation.
