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PM Browne: Caribbean Not Taking Sides in U.S.-China Rivalry, Seeks Cooperation for Development
“For us, this fight between the U.S. and China is not our concern. All we want is cooperation in the interest of our survivability, so that our people can thrive and have good living standards,” said Prime Minister Gaston Browne, emphasizing that Antigua and Barbuda will continue to engage with both global powers based on economic and developmental needs rather than political alignments.
Gaston Browne made the remarks in response to growing geopolitical tensions between the United States and China, stating that Caribbean nations should not be forced to choose sides. Instead, he noted that China’s presence in the region complements rather than competes with U.S. economic influence.
China’s Role in Caribbean Development
China has become a key player in Caribbean infrastructure development, providing grants, concessional loans, and investments in critical sectors. In Antigua and Barbuda, China has supported projects such as:
- The Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, built for the 2007 Cricket World Cup.
- The expansion of the V.C. Bird International Airport.
- A booby alley project
- Planned investments in education and renewable energy initiatives.
Browne defended China’s economic contributions, arguing that they fill crucial development gaps that traditional U.S. financial aid and trade agreements do not always address.
“China is a very important country to the Caribbean region in terms of supplementing our growth and development through grants and concessionary loans—funding that we do not get from the United States,” he stated.
The U.S. as the Primary Economic Partner
Despite China’s growing involvement, Browne reiterated that the United States remains the Caribbean’s dominant economic partner, particularly in trade, remittances, and tourism.
“Most of our economies are open economies, and most of the goods we consume are imported from the United States,” he explained. “For all the discussions about economic diversification, we are still inextricably linked to the U.S.”
Browne also dismissed suggestions that the region could easily transition away from U.S. economic dependency, pointing out that the U.S. dollar remains the dominant trading currency, and any attempt at creating a unified Caribbean currency would still require conversion to U.S. dollars for global trade.
Balancing Diplomatic Relations
Browne made it clear that Antigua and Barbuda will not be drawn into the power struggle between Washington and Beijing. Instead, his administration will continue engaging with both nations based on mutual respect and economic interests.
“We are not uncooperative with the United States, and we will always engage with them in mutual respect. At the same time, China’s presence in the Caribbean is beneficial, and we see no reason to reject their support,” he added.
Browne also called for a more respectful approach from Washington, urging the U.S. to engage with Caribbean nations as equal partners rather than imposing unilateral decisions or sanctions.
A Strategic Approach to Development
As global tensions escalate, Antigua and Barbuda continues to navigate its diplomatic relationships carefully, ensuring that economic cooperation with China does not disrupt its longstanding ties with the U.S..
With both superpowers playing critical roles in the region’s development, Browne’s remarks signal that Caribbean nations will prioritize their national interests while maintaining a balanced approach to foreign relations.
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This is my View, if President Donald Trump and Marco Rubio Secretary of State not “settle down” they will move the Caribbean their third Border away from them. It is a fact President Trump, the Caribbean People prefer the United States of America 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲 over any other country in the World 🌍🌎 so please Treat Caribbean People with Respect ; dignity don’t Dictate to them send your Diplomats to have Round table Discussions to solve Problems. We Generally have good Relationship ❤️❤️ with the United States of America over the years.
MACBETH GEORGE
ANTIGUA/BARBUDA 🇦🇬🇦🇬🇦🇬🇦🇬🇦🇬
MACBETH GEORGE
This is not going to cut it. This statement is meaningless to current US foreign policy.
The economic needs and a hat in hand posture; is contradictory to the monies laundered offshore.
There is no justification for the massive Chinese Embassy
There is no justification for allowing Chinese to be able to issue passports from the EZ that was given to them.
There is no justification for the 10 MOU s with China. Biden people were not looking .
Marco Rubio just had not gotten around to you as yet World Boss
Who is this for?
How can this arrogant man say this fight is not our concern when the Chinese Government is deep up your you know what.
There is an inexplicable dominant Chinese Government presence in Antigua
Are you so naive or arrogant to think there was not going to be a day when the US questions the CCP involvement in Antigua.
If it’s like that; why don’t Antigua and Barbuda engage with Taiwan also?
I agree with Gaston to keep out of them business. What happens between China and the U.S is not our business. But, what I will say, is that He needs to stop sucking up to the U.S. Keep them at an arms length. It’s high time we begin to Start getting ships together and go over to Africa for trading with them. Have flights going to Canada and go over to Africa and to the Caribbean. America is not heaven, neither is Donald Trump is not God.
We all know that U.S and China is playing the same game.