With the U.S. absent and Western promises broken, China’s rise in the Americas offers both risk and opportunity—especially for nations like Haiti seeking a new path forward.

By The Haitian Pulse Editorial Team
June 15, 2025

The U.S. Leaves a Void—China Doesn’t Hesitate

At the fourth China–CELAC ministerial forum in Beijing this May, Chinese President Xi Jinping didn’t mince words: China is ready to lead where the U.S. has pulled back. Over 30 Latin American and Caribbean nations heard Beijing’s pitch—an offer of expanded trade, infrastructure financing, and deeper political cooperation under China’s global Belt and Road Initiative.

This wasn’t empty diplomacy. $9.2 billion in new credit lines were promised, along with renewed commitments to economic cooperation. For a region long dismissed by Washington—often treated as a backyard rather than a partner—China’s attention feels like a breath of fresh air.

Trump’s Trade War: All Pain, No Gain

Despite hopes that U.S. protectionist policies would revive regional manufacturing or open better trade terms for Latin American countries, the result has been minimal economic benefit and increased uncertainty.

Brazil, for instance, saw a temporary bump in exports to China—only to face domestic backlash over Chinese competition in its industrial sectors. Colombian and Chilean leaders are eager for Chinese infrastructure dollars, yet quietly skeptical of long-term leverage and debt.

Latin America is still waiting for the "win" promised by Western isolationism. Instead, most nations remain stuck in underfunded, under-connected economies vulnerable to both economic shocks and political instability.

China’s Influence Is Growing — But So Are the Risks

China’s model is simple: invest big, demand loyalty later.

• In Ecuador, the Coca Codo Sinclair Dam, funded by a Chinese loan and built by Sinohydro, became a $3 billion fiasco—plagued by cracks, cost overruns, and corruption.

• Peru’s new Chancay deepwater port, now 60% Chinese-owned, could become a trade hub or a military foothold—depending on who’s watching.

• China’s loans often lack transparency and saddle countries with repayment conditions that can quietly undermine sovereignty.

Still, the region needs infrastructure—and no one else is offering.

For Haiti, a Strategic Relationship with China Could Be Wise

Haiti has endured more than a century of U.S. interference—from military occupation to economic manipulation, to handpicked puppet governments. American aid has rarely translated into real development or dignity.

In that context, exploring a fair, transparent relationship with China is not betrayal—it’s self-preservation.

But let’s be clear: China is not a savior. Like any superpower, it seeks influence and leverage. The key for Haiti is leadership—an administration that protects the public interest, negotiates with accountability, and ensures that deals don’t become debt traps.

The Haitian Pulse Perspective

We are not naïve about China's ambitions.

But we also know that Haiti deserves options. And if the West continues to ignore our development needs—or worse, use us as geopolitical pawns—we must look elsewhere.

China’s presence in the Americas is growing. If Haiti is to engage, it must do so on its own terms, demanding transparency, respect, and mutual benefit.

💬 Join the Conversation

• Should Haiti open formal diplomatic relations with China?

• Can a Chinese partnership succeed where Western ones have failed?

• What safeguards must be in place to protect Haiti’s sovereignty?

👇 Leave a comment below and share your thoughts. Let’s envision a smarter, more sovereign Haiti—together.

About The Haitian Pulse

The Haitian Pulse is more than news. We are a movement for truth, dignity, and self-determination. We cover what others ignore—and we ask the hard questions that demand bold answers. For Haitians, by Haitians.