Government responds to Newsweek article on US-China relations

A recent article in the New York City news magazine, NewsWeek, has raised concerns about the United States military’s apprehension regarding China’s growing commercial and diplomatic presence in Antigua and Barbuda.

The article highlighted the special economic zone, which new Chinese developers currently head.

It mentioned that the incorporation of ABSEZ International Airlines Ltd. on January 31, as well as hundreds of millions of dollars of loans and grants from China, and extensive construction by Chinese state-owned companies of critical infrastructure, including ports, airports, and water systems, have transformed Antigua from being considered a part of America’s “backyard” into China’s “front yard.”

In response, Lionel Hurst, the prime minister’s chief of staff, has written a letter defending Antigua and Barbuda’s relationship with China, stating that it is not in any way sinister or dangerous to U.S. interests.

A recent article in the New York City news magazine, NewsWeek, has raised concerns about the United States military’s apprehension regarding China’s growing commercial and diplomatic presence in Antigua and Barbuda.

The article highlighted the special economic zone, which new Chinese developers currently head.

It mentioned that the incorporation of ABSEZ International Airlines Ltd. on January 31, as well as hundreds of millions of dollars of loans and grants from China, and extensive construction by Chinese state-owned companies of critical infrastructure, including ports, airports, and water systems, have transformed Antigua from being considered a part of America’s “backyard” into China’s “front yard.”

In response, Lionel Hurst, the prime minister’s chief of staff, has written a letter defending Antigua and Barbuda’s relationship with China, stating that it is not in any way sinister or dangerous to U.S. interests.