China-U.S. Economic Relations: Where Do Caribbean Nations Stand?

This is important. Pay attention to this one.

Not surprisingly, Caribbean nations are sizing up their future economic bets--not just with the US--but many other nations around the world, including China.

Hopefully, we are paying attention to these shifting realities south of our increasingly porous economic borders. There are economic development consequences of how Caribbean countries align economically (and politically) in years to come.

Read these statements in a recent news article in Caribbean Net News:

"Small countries, such as those in the Caribbean, are spectators in the relations between powerful countries like the US and China. But, even as spectators, the region need not be silent and could still play a part, however small, in how the relationship unfolds.

China has become an important aid donor and investor in the Caribbean, notwithstanding the remaining links of a few countries to Taiwan. The United States is a neighbour to which the region has many long established ties and from which many benefits are derived.

To the extent that it can, the Caribbean should use its friendly relations with both countries to encourage a constructive dialogue between the US and China whose peaceful relationship would be a boon to each of them and to the world."