15 March 2025
By Ray Carmen
In recent years, China has steadily strengthened its ties with the Caribbean, a region long considered within the sphere of Western influence. At the heart of this growing connection is President Xi Jinping, whose strategic visits and diplomatic engagements have paved the way for deepened economic partnerships and cultural exchanges.
This article explores Xi’s historic Caribbean visit, China’s regional ambitions, and the visual narrative of Xi Jinping himself — with freely available images that capture his role as a global statesman.
A Historic Visit: Xi Jinping in the Caribbean
In June 2013, President Xi Jinping made history by becoming the first Chinese head of state to visit Trinidad and Tobago. The visit was more than symbolic; it signaled China’s intent to establish a long-term presence in the region. Xi met with then-Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, and their discussions focused on cooperation in key sectors like energy, infrastructure, and telecommunications.
Trinidad and Tobago, with its rich oil and gas reserves, became a natural partner for energy-hungry China. But the visit wasn’t limited to trade — it was a calculated step in China’s larger strategy to build influence across the Americas and the Caribbean.
Xi’s visit sparked a wave of Chinese investments in the Caribbean, from massive infrastructure projects in Jamaica and The Bahamas to cultural initiatives that fostered goodwill and mutual understanding.
Diplomatic Leverage and the Taiwan Question
China’s engagement in the Caribbean is not purely economic — it’s also deeply diplomatic. Beijing has successfully persuaded several Caribbean nations, including the Dominican Republic and Grenada, to switch their recognition from Taiwan to the People’s Republic of China. In return, these nations received infrastructure funding, medical aid, and development loans.
In January 2025, Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the One-China Principle during a meeting with Xi in Beijing, acknowledging the economic benefits that had flowed from the relationship.
China’s Soft Power and Regional Influence
China’s Caribbean strategy extends beyond ports and power plants. The country has actively promoted cultural exchange through Confucius Institutes, educational scholarships, and public diplomacy efforts. By nurturing people-to-people connections, Beijing is fostering a generation of Caribbean leaders who view China as a partner rather than a distant superpower.
Tourism is also a growing pillar of China-Caribbean relations, with many Caribbean nations hoping to attract Chinese tourists to diversify their tourism-dependent economies. Direct flights, eased visa restrictions, and targeted marketing campaigns are slowly opening the door to this vast market.
The Future of China-Caribbean Relations
President Xi Jinping’s outreach to the Caribbean is a testament to China’s long-term vision of global influence. By investing in the region’s infrastructure, building diplomatic ties, and promoting cultural exchange, China has positioned itself as a vital partner for Caribbean development.
However, these deepening ties also raise questions: Will Caribbean nations maintain their sovereignty in the face of China’s expanding influence? And how will the U.S. and other Western powers respond to Beijing’s growing presence in their traditional backyard?
One thing is clear: Xi Jinping’s Caribbean connection is not a passing interest — it’s a carefully orchestrated strategy that will shape the region’s future for decades to come.
