China foraying into American sphere of influence

Having consolidated its overwhelming presence in the Indian Ocean Region by formally taking over Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port on a 99-year lease, reports now emerge that China is all set to enter American backyard. Making a leap from the “century of humiliation” to an “era of rejuvenation” China is continually expanding its global presence. China is making gigantic strides in reaching out to various countries. The iconic, global connectivity network of One Belt One Road (OBOR), encompassing 60 nations exemplifies China’s aspirations. At a time, when America is questioning China’s penetrative expansionism in the South China Sea and its eventual coercion of smaller neighbors, Beijing is silently wooing Caribbean Countries. Besides, brandishing American hegemony in the Caribbean region as big-power chauvinism to counter American charges, China is markedly increasing its ties with them. Beijing which has extensive trade and infrastructure investments in Latin America started engaging with Caribbean islands in a big way. The economic recession of 2008 crippled US economy and subsequently American investments in Caribbean region ebbed. Marking the decline of American and European Community engagement, China steadily stepped up investments and bilateral trade with Caribbean. US-China Economic and Security Review Commission reports validate burgeoning Chinese presence.

Owing to its proximity to United States and major maritime routes, China realized strategic importance of Caribbean. In 2013, President Xi made his first overseas trip to Latin America and Caribbean. Moreover, China believed that the region home to over two dozen countries would be highly valuable for exercising significant diplomatic clout at the UN and its allied agencies. Soon, China emerged as the single largest investor in Caribbean. In Jamaica, China built a $720 million highway, constructed a deep port to serve as transshipment hub for Chinese container ships traveling to Panama Canal. To further augur access to ports, China Harbor Engineering signed an $1.5 billion agreement with Jamaican authorities to develop a deep-water port. As in Latin America, China provided scholarships to Caribbean countries to study in Chinese Universities. Guyana, Bahamas, and Barbados received aid and investments. Soon, these countries turned into lucrative markets for Chinese goods, arms and weapons.  

The latest to join the Chinese club is Grenada, a nation invaded by American. Grenada, a British Colony gained independence in 1974. But by 1978, a dominant leftist movement seized power, suspended the constitution and jailed ruling dispensation. In 1983, military junta launched a coup and executed the leftist Prime Minister plunging country into internal strife. Grenada had close ties with Cuba and Russia and America overpowered by fears of plausible Russian takeover led an attack against with Caribbean Coalition. President Ronald Raegan launched “Operation Urgent Fury”. After 7 days of intense struggle, peace was restored, and elections were called. Over 100 countries, denounced American invasion at the UN. But owing to immediate restoration of democracy protestations against America soon faded out. Currently, China is designing a new development plan for Grenada. Reports indicate that Grenada is on the verge of accepting the multibillion dollar plan which includes economic assistance. The plan includes construction of massive infrastructure development projects like highways, railways, and special economic zones. The island which is four times the size of Hong Kong has a population of 100,000 is divided into 6 zones. The blue print of the development plan is believed to include plans for renewable energy, agriculture, medical tourism, fishing, fruit processing. Sources indicate that the plan include a clause mandating Grenadian government to ensure protection to foreign investments. China has plans of turning the island into a tax haven.

Mindful of the region’s proclivity to Leftist ideology, China has promised not to interfere in domestic affairs of the country. But, Beijing’s avowal of non-interference is truly misleading given its inimical influence in the recently concluded Nepalese elections.  China’s major push to forge investment alliances with the Caribbean can be truly intimidating. Indeed, China initially entered the South Asian region on the pretext of forging economic ties with India’s immediate neighbors. In less than a decade Beijing successfully pulled all South Asian countries encircling India into its orbit. Considering China’s dubitable history, America must be cautious of Beijing’s nefarious attempts of infiltrating into its region of dominance.

@ Copyrights reserved.