Martin Charles

Martin Charles (born c. 1960s) is the Resident Ambassador of Dominica to the People’s Republic of China, based in Beijing. He has been instrumental in strengthening bilateral ties since his appointment in March 2018, with a focus on infrastructure, cultural exchange, and economic development. Before his posting, he served in various leadership roles at financial and trade institutions in Dominica.

Early Life and Professional Background

Born and raised in Salisbury, Saint Joseph Parish, Martin Charles built a career in finance before entering the diplomatic service. He earned a reputation as a Life Underwriter and later as Agency Manager at CLICO Life Insurance, one of Dominica’s leading insurance firms. He was later appointed Chairman of the Board of the Agricultural Industrial Development (AID) Bank, where he oversaw lending strategies for rural agriculture and small enterprises . Concurrently, Charles served as Trade Investment Commissioner, promoting Dominican exports and foreign investment.

Ambassadorial Appointment

On 10 March 2018, the Government of Dominica formally appointed Martin Charles as Resident Ambassador to China, receiving agrément from Chinese authorities. This came nearly fourteen years after Dominica and China established full diplomatic relations on 23 March 2004. As Resident Ambassador, Charles presented his credentials to the Chinese Head of State and embarked on a mission to enhance Dominica’s engagement with China.

Bilateral Cooperation and Diplomatic Initiatives

Under Ambassador Charles, Dominica has seen an expansion in cooperation across key sectors:

• Infrastructure and Disaster Recovery
  China has invested heavily in Dominican infrastructure, including the China-funded Windsor Park Stadium, several school rehabilitations, and the Dominica China Friendship Hospital. Charles has facilitated these projects, reinforcing the island’s resilience in housing and healthcare.
• Health and Medical Partnerships
  In 2019, Charles announced plans for medical cooperation between Dominica and the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, aiming to train Dominican doctors and strengthen surgical capacity.
• Tourism Promotion
  Promoting Dominica’s tourism industries has been a priority. In November 2020, he appeared on CGTN to invite Chinese tourists and highlight the island’s eco-tourism and cultural attractions.
• Cultural Exchanges and Community Events
  Charles regularly participates in cultural diplomacy efforts, including friendly sporting events and celebrations in China, which showcase Dominica’s heritage and reinforce people-to-people ties.
• China-CELAC Engagement
  In February 2025, during a meeting with China’s Assistant Foreign Minister, Charles spoke on behalf of Latin America and Caribbean diplomats, reaffirming Dominica’s alignment with the One-China Principle and China–LAC cooperation frameworks.

Diplomatic Style and Public Presence

Ambassador Charles emphasises a people-centred diplomacy, often referencing his experience in insurance and banking management as core to supporting agricultural development and rural livelihoods. His public speeches strike a balance between diplomacy and advocacy on climate resilience and sustainable development, reflecting Dominica’s national priorities.

He maintains an active diplomatic calendar, attending events organised by Chinese provincial governments and embassies, such as a soccer match in Guizhou that symbolised Dominica-China friendship.

Challenges and Criticism

Despite broad diplomatic achievements, Ambassador Charles has faced criticism. Opposition parties questioned his lack of diplomatic training at the time of his appointment. Reports also raised concerns about his involvement in Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) marketing in China, amid broader scrutiny of the program’s integrity.

Future Outlook

Ambassador Martin Charles continues to play a central role in advancing Dominica’s interests in China, ensuring bilateral relations support sustainable development, infrastructure, and healthcare priorities. His diplomatic tenure reflects the country’s broader strategy of aligning with global and regional partners to enhance national resilience and prosperity.

While Charles keeps a low public profile regarding his personal life, his management background suggests a pragmatic approach to diplomacy.