Many questions begin to arise to understand the extent of the relationship between China and the Caribbean. The connection between Haiti and China has been documented to have existed for centuries as some Chinese sought to escape crumbling dynasties. Many sources have acknowledged China’s assistance to Haiti during times of crisis, as well as documenting the relationship between Taiwan and Haiti’s governmental associations. Although on the surface, it seems to be just a larger nation aiding a smaller one, one does begin to question and address the intentions behind the aid or diplomatic relationss. The last time a larger nation invaded Haiti with a promise of hope, it depleted its resources and impoverished the country with debt. This post will discuss China’s current relationship with the Caribbean, specifically Haiti.

 

   According to McBride et. al. (2023) for the Council on Foreign Relations,  China is in the process of expanding the Belt and Road initiative. This is an infrastructure investment project that will expand China’s political and economic influence globally. This initiative can sometimes be referred to as the ‘New Silk Road’ by many sources including the Council of Foreign Relation’s author (McBride 2023). This project began in 2013 with the end goal of linking many countries from different continents (McBride 2023) through means of physical infrastructure. However, “ In the decade since, the project has expanded to Africa, Oceania, and Latin America, significantly broadening China’s economic and political influence” (McBride 2023). The layperson would imagine that the unity of China with other countries could help build other economies or bridge political parties. Some worry about the greater scheme of this project. The author Jared Ward for East Asia Forum (2019) states that the project can formulate a presence in the Caribbean spaces that the United States has been absent from. Ward (2019) states that addressing the lack of aid, the openness of leaders, and the vacancy of ambassador positions as a means to explain why Caribbean spaces are accepting the funds for the Belt and Road initiative. Many Caribbean countries such as Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica have accepted to join the project. China has pledged billions to donate to Haiti to join the project because of Haiti’s views on Taiwan. 

 

   Opposers can argue the downside is the amount of debt from the loans that building these infrastructure projects will accumulate. An example according to Ward (2019) is Guyana’s president who is willing to join the project but will need to borrow funds from larger nations to do so or rely on global banks such as IMF, World Bank, or Inter-American Development Bank. The president states “We cannot develop without infrastructure and we just do not have the capital to do it on our own. So whether it comes from America, China, or Britain, we have to have it and of course, we have to look for the best deal”.  The countries incapable of funding for their own will rely on other sources. This can increase the debt some countries are already in or the exchange in which they receive post infrastructure will not be enough to completely eradicate the debt that was already trying to be paid off. 

 

   Due to Haiti being one of the countries that recognize Taiwan as being a part of the Republic of China, China feels indebted to assist Haiti in many ways. This relationship with Taiwan has been established since 1956.  One way China has assisted Haiti, according to Chen (2024), is by supplying Haiti with a formed police unit for the United Nations stabilization mission.  Chen (2024) also states China has remained consistent in deciding which country receives aid and UN Peacekeeping Operations based on that country’s stance on Taiwan. Amongst many other attributions, Haiti’s recognition that Taiwan is a part of China has come in handy when it comes to relief, policies, and US interests. China does not oppose or try to dominate countries that the US influenced over, China favors or compromises countries that the US occupied. 

 

   A big event that still receives sympathy is the earthquake that occurred in 2010. An event that many have lost their lives, possessions, and state of safety over. This event made global news as there are articles covering Chinese residents in Haiti. Authors of Chinadaily, Chen Weihua et al (2010), cover what occurred to the Chinese residents after the earthquake. Weihua’s articles follow a few Chinese residents who will experience live post-earthquake. According to Weihua (2010) Jiang Dianwel, a man with a group of his friends migrated to Haiti from Beijing in a matter of months and had already settled there before the catastrophe occurred. Weihua (2010) states he was frightened and one of his biggest concerns was being in a place where he had a hard time understanding the language. The fear of homelessness and not being aware of the assistance out here due to a language barrier can be another reason why the Chinese Haitian presence is so dimmed in the country. However, they were able to find shelter in the only Chinese restaurant located in the Haitian capital, according to Weihua (2010).  This brings us back to the diplomatic relations between China and Haiti. Weihua (2010) states the persons interviewed were able to find a haven after contacting back home and learning of China’s foreign ministry placed within the Wuijatuan Restaurant. This catastrophe could explain why the Chinese community has shrunk since many residents have decided to return. The author (2010) states the ministry offered flights back to Beijing, and many were unable to return. I could imagine how this would shy those away because rebuilding in a place that’s already unfamiliar to you can be a nightmare. Especially since your family and friends may not be within distance to provide haven if you were one of the unlucky ones who lost everything. On paper, the relationship between China and Haiti seems more progressive as time goes on. An obvious gap remains whether or not Chinese Haitians returned to rebuild their community in Haiti. Or did they leave it all behind because the earthquake was too fearsome for them? 

 

Citations: In progress…