U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warns Caribbean countries to carefully choose their infrastructure partners, while the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly rebuts the warning.

On May 8, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a meeting with leaders of several Caribbean countries, warned these countries against collaborating with "malicious actors" such as the Chinese Communist Party in infrastructure cooperation. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian denounced this remark as a "malicious attack," stressing that China-Caribbean cooperation is founded on equality and mutual benefit. This incident highlights the escalating competition for influence between the U.S. and China in the Caribbean.

Rubio Warns Caribbean Nations: Be Cautious in Choosing Infrastructure Partners

U.S. Secretary of State Rubio recently held high-level talks with leaders from seven Caribbean nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and the Bahamas, addressing regional security and infrastructure cooperation. He emphasized that these countries should make "responsible and transparent" decisions when selecting suppliers and contractors to ensure projects are not exposed to privacy violations or security risks.

Rubio specifically pointed out the need to guard against infiltration and exploitation by "malicious entities such as the Chinese Communist Party." He stated, "Caribbean nations must ensure their infrastructure is not used as tools for surveillance, intelligence gathering, or other forms of external interference." He further warned that deepening cooperation with China could lead the U.S. to reassess its support and cooperation with the region.

Additionally, Rubio called for strengthened regional security cooperation, particularly in intelligence sharing and border security, and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. He also announced the relaunch of two U.S.-led initiatives to enhance regional disaster warning systems and humanitarian aid capabilities.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Strongly Rebuts: Slandering China-Caribbean Cooperation and Interfering with Sovereignty

In response to Rubio's remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian issued a strong rebuttal at a regular press conference on May 8. He stated, "These remarks maliciously attack China, slander and undermine China's relations with relevant countries, reveal ideological bias, and show ignorance and disregard for basic principles of international relations. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firmly opposes this."

Lin Jian emphasized that Caribbean countries have the right to independently choose their partners without interference from any country acting "condescendingly or pointing fingers." He noted, "Caribbean countries have the right to independently choose friendly cooperation partners without needing any country to act as a 'teacher.'"

Regarding China's involvement in Caribbean infrastructure, Lin Jian stated that overseas projects undertaken by Chinese companies "have significantly promoted economic development and improved livelihoods in the host countries, bringing tangible benefits to local people, which is a fact recognized by countries worldwide."

He further pointed out that cooperation between China and Caribbean countries "serves the fundamental and long-term interests of both parties" and stressed that the U.S.'s "despicable attempts to attack and slander China-Caribbean relations and cooperation will not succeed."

The Caribbean Region Amid U.S.-China Rivalry

Rubio's warning is not an isolated event but part of the U.S.'s ongoing concern over China's growing influence in the Western Hemisphere. According to U.S. media reports, since 2000, China has invested billions of dollars in the Caribbean region for infrastructure projects such as ports, telecommunications, energy, and housing. The U.S. is concerned that these investments could become tools for China to expand its intelligence and military influence.

Recently, U.S. lawmakers have also urged the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct a comprehensive threat assessment of China's intelligence activities in Cuba, noting that at least four signal intelligence facilities related to China have been established in Cuba, just 90 miles from the U.S. mainland. These facilities could pose potential threats to U.S. military and space facilities.

Against this backdrop, Rubio's meeting with Caribbean leaders is seen as part of the U.S.'s efforts to reassert its influence in the region. U.S. officials have made it clear that if Caribbean countries choose to deepen cooperation with China, it could affect their bilateral relations with the U.S.

China Reaffirms Stance on Cooperation: Mutual Benefit and Respect for Sovereignty

In the face of U.S. warnings and accusations, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has repeatedly reaffirmed that its cooperation with the Caribbean region is based on the principles of "mutual benefit" and "non-interference in internal affairs." Lin Jian noted that projects by Chinese companies in the region have not only improved infrastructure standards but also created jobs and improved living conditions.

He emphasized, "The relationship between China and the Caribbean serves the fundamental and long-term interests of both parties, and China-Caribbean cooperation brings tangible benefits to the people of both sides." Lin Jian also stated that China will continue to deepen cooperation with Caribbean countries, advance the joint development of the "Belt and Road" initiative, and facilitate regional development and stability.

References

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