On January 30, 2025, the Inter-American Dialogue hosted the online discussion “Tracking China-Caribbean Relations, New Tools and Takeaways,” in partnership with the Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CAPRI) to explore the evolving nature of Chinese engagement in the Caribbean and to introduce a new analytical resource, CAPRI’s China-Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Portal.
The event addressed a need for more research on the China-Caribbean dynamic—a relationship that, despite its growing strategic importance, is frequently overlooked in academic literature and policy analsyis. In the introductory remarks, Margaret Myers, Senior Advisor for the Asia and Latin America Program at the Inter-American Dialogue, highlighted the value of new tools, including CAPRI’s new China CARICOM Portal, an interactive dashboard designed to track Chinese investments and engagement with CARICOM, and corresponding data in shedding light on Chinese investments, trade, and diplomatic engagement with the region.
Next, Alexander Causwell, a fellow at CAPRI, presented the portal, which tracks Chinese trade and other economic and diplomatic engagement with CARICOM countries over the past decade (2013–2023). Causwell noted that while larger economies like Jamaica and Guyana show consistently high levels of engagement, smaller Caribbean nations experience more sporadic yet still significant Chinese involvement.
The speakers noted China’s involvement in major infrastructure development in the region, such as the North South Highway in Jamaica, as well as its influence in key sectors like agriculture and technology. Diane Edwards, Director of Professional Services Unit at the Mona School of Business & Management of University of the West Indies, stressed that while these projects have opened up significant opportunities, they also invite scrutiny over issues such as debt sustainability, labor practices, and environmental impacts.
Panelists agreed that the era of “Sino-euphoria,” characterized by an open-armed embrace of Chinese finance and large-scale projects, has given way to more measured, sector-focused investments, similar to what is happening in the wider region. These include “new infrastructure” initiatives that are innovation and technology driven such as renewable energy, telecoms and fintech. As Causwell mentioned, according to the portal’s data, construction remains a foundational element of Chinese engagement, but over time, the focus has broadened to include digital transformation, technology initiatives, and educational investments.
China will continue to be viewed as a top partner for the Caribbean relations as the region navigates the ever-complicating scene of climate change, energy security, as well as digitalization. But Edwards also stressed the need for the Caribbean to balance the benefits of Chinese engagement with the potential risks, such as debt dependency and geopolitical entanglements.
Analytical tools, such as the China CARICOM Portal, which provide detailed, objective data including project values, sector classifications, and funding sources, will be a critical resource for researchers, policymakers, and the public as all navigate the complexities of the China-Caribbean relationship.
WATCH THE EVENT RECORDING HERE: