Antigua & Barbuda rubbish U.S. publication regarding island’s ties with China

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has taken issue with a US publication's report claiming that the Caribbean nation has turned into China's "front yard," with Beijing able to unduly influence the Gaston Browne administration.

According to Newsweek Magazine, its investigation revealed China's growing influence on the island through diplomatic efforts and state-owned enterprises, as well as agreements that, among other things, would encourage Antiguan officials to research and adopt the ideas of Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

In January, a private company signed a contract for a new Chinese "Special Economic Zone." The US journal reported in its April 19 edition that it had examined documentation indicating the zone will have its own cargo port, specialised aircraft, and immigration and customs procedures in addition to the ability to issue passports.

It will create companies that provide services ranging from virology to facial surgery, from logistics to cryptocurrency.

According to a Newsweek investigation of corporate and government documents as well as interviews with Antiguan leaders, "China, its state-owned companies and aligned private businesses are expanding rapidly in the island nation of Antigua and Barbuda and in other Caribbean countries in this strategic region long known as "America's third border," the publication continued.

However, Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne refuted the claim, saying, "They are now attempting to create and try to use this sensational speculation that the PRC (People's Republic of China) is now trying to use Antigua and Barbuda as a base... this cold war rhetoric going back to the relationship between the USSR and the USA.”

Browne declared, "We will never ever enter into any arrangement with any country to hurt another. This is complete nonsense." Much less to harm a nation like the United States where our reliance on their trade, investment, and tourism is paramount. It will feel similar to harming oneself. "

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne, the Great Hall of the People on January 24, 2024 during Browne's official visit to China.

The article "China Building New Outpost on U.S. Doorstep" in Newsweek has also drawn criticism from the Chinese Embassy in Antigua and Barbuda. Pang Qingjie, a spokesman for the embassy, condemned the piece, saying it was full of unfounded charges and intended to damage the embassy's standing.

China is committed to equitable and mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries, including the US and Antigua & Barbuda, Pang Qingjie emphasised.

In highlighting long-running initiatives that have directly benefited Antigua and Barbuda's citizens and advanced social and economic development, he emphasised China's stance against geopolitical rivalry and non-interference in domestic matters.

In addition, Pang Qingjie maintained that collaboration between developing nations should be founded on respect for one another and treating them as equal partners.

He disagreed with the idea that the Caribbean countries are just pieces in larger geopolitical pawn and instead he says they engage in productive consultation and useful aid for the betterment of their respective peoples.

Finally, Pang Qingjie emphasised how interrelated countries are in the modern world and urged collaboration between China and the US rather than hostility.