Dragon in the Caribbean by Richard L. Bernal; Alister McIntyre (Foreword by)Call Number: HF1604.Z4 C273 2014
ISBN: 9789766377519
Published/Created: 2014-04-01
HLAS annotation: The author chronicles the evolution of the People's Republic of China's diplomatic and economic relations with the Caribbean island states, as well as Belize and Suriname. The backdrop is the general rise of China as a world power. Among the reasons for China's economic interest in the Caribbean are access to natural resources (e.g., oil and natural gas) and a platform for easier access to US markets (involving, in that case, Chinese foreign direct investment in the region). Political and diplomatic rivalry with the Republic of China on the island of Taiwan is another important reason, as several of the governments of the Caribbean countries continue to recognize Taiwan. These island countries, in turn, are interested in Chinese foreign assistance, as US and European aid have waned over the years, in the Chinese market for exports, including tourism, and in possibilities of foreign direct investment. Bernal provides a thoughtful and perceptive account of his subject matter as well as a set of wise recommendations for Caribbean policymakers in a changing world environment. [HLAS Contributor: Daniel Masís-Iverson]