The Russo-Ukrainian conflict has been dominating headlines, and rightfully so.
However, it is crucial not to overlook the United States' primary geopolitical adversary, which is not Russia, but China. Recent developments suggest that China is making concerning strides in the Caribbean, particularly in the Bahamas.
According to RedState, retired Rear Adm. Peter Brown, a former Homeland Security advisor to President Donald Trump, stated, "The People's Republic of China has been making diplomatic, economic and even military and quasi-military inroads into the Caribbean, South and Central America for the past couple of decades." Brown highlighted the increase in dual-use infrastructure projects along the Bahamas coastline, a mere 50 miles off the coast of Florida.
He further warned, "It doesn't take a lot of imagination for the People's Republic of China to use its commercial footprint in the Bahamas to monitor, exploit and perhaps even do worse to [the] U.S." Dual-use infrastructure refers to facilities that can serve both civil and military purposes.
Given the proximity of the Bahamas to the Florida coast, the potential for such infrastructure to be quickly converted for military use, such as naval replenishment or basing for military aircraft, is a real concern.
China's investment in the Bahamas is not limited to dual-use infrastructure. The Asian superpower has funded a variety of high-profile projects, including a $40 million grant for a national stadium, a $3 billion mega-port in Freeport, and $40 million for the North Abaco Port and Little Abaco Bridge. Additionally, China EXIM Bank has provided over $54 million in loans for a four-lane highway and nearly $3 billion to finance the Baha Mar Resort's development.
The U.S. Navy frequently operates in this region, with an underwater testing range and a flight path for many American space launches. However, the potential for Chinese-operated installations to pose a threat to these operations cannot be overlooked.
While the Caribbean is a considerable distance from China, and the country currently lacks the military capability to project power that far, it is essential to consider the broader picture. Chinese interests have been purchasing American farmland, some alarmingly close to crucial American military installations. China has also been operating facilities on both sides of the Panama Canal and has been ramping up its air force and navy activities.
China is known for its long-term strategic planning, viewing its history in terms of thousands of years and planning decades ahead. This approach contrasts with America's more unpredictable geopolitical and military history, often characterized as "making it up as we go." This unpredictability could prove challenging for the rigid thinking processes of totalitarian governments like China.
The question remains: how can the U.S. prevent a significant Chinese foothold in the Caribbean? The Bahamas are an independent entity, free to engage with any nation they choose. Perhaps the most effective strategy would be to offer them a more appealing deal, reinforcing the importance of maintaining strong alliances and promoting free-market economics. This situation underscores the need for vigilance and strategic foresight in dealing with China's growing global influence.
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