In 2021, the relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Dominican Republic developed steadily, with steady progress in exchanges and cooperation in various areas.

Political mutual trust between the two countries kept deepening. In June, President Xi Jinping spoke on the phone with President of the Dominican Republic Luis Abinader at request. The two leaders exchanged views and reached important common understanding on issues including bilateral relations and anti-COVID cooperation. NPC Chairman Li Zhanshu sent congratulatory messages to President of the Senate of the Dominican Republic Eduardo Estrella and President of the Chamber of Deputies Alfredo Pacheco on their re-election. Leaders of the legislatures of the two countries held a virtual meeting. High-level representatives from the Dominican Republic attended the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-level Meeting, and major political parties of the Dominican Republic sent congratulations on the centenary of the CPC.

After the onset of the COVID pandemic, China and the Dominican Republic actively fought the virus together and carried out vaccine cooperation. State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi sent a message of sympathy to Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic Roberto Álvarez on his infection of COVID. China donated and exported multiple batches of COVID vaccines to the Dominican Republic, accounting for over 75 percent of the vaccines acquired by the country. The safety of Chinese vaccines was highly recognized, and high-level officials including the President and their families took the lead in receiving Chinese vaccines. Vice President of the Dominican Republic Raquel Peña went to the airport multiple times together with key cabinet members to welcome Chinese vaccines.

Bilateral practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges advanced in an orderly manner. In January, the Agreement Between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Dominican Republic on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic Passports, Official Passports, Service Passports and Passports for Public Affairs officially took effect. In April, the two sides held the China-Dominica Trade and Investment Forum online. In November, the Dominican Republic actively participated in the fourth China International Import Expo. Cooperation in infrastructure, tourism, education and health was steadily carried out.