PM Browne accuses UPP of damaging Antigua-China relations

Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, has expressed his disappointment with two members of the United Progressive Party, who he claimed spoke to a US magazine in an attempt to damage the country’s relations with the People’s Republic of China.

He referred to them as “Uncle Toms” and criticized their actions for harming the long-standing positive relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and the People’s Republic of China.

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.”

Browne said over the weekend that those who spoke to the NewsWeek were malicious.

“They seem to have forgotten that the UPP also benefited from the benevolence of the People’s Republic of China,” he said

Browne is convinced that the article was contrived by the UPP, with support from a journalist.

“At the end of the day, you can see there was a political slant in which they were trying to create acrimony between Antigua and the United States,” Browne said

Browne said Antigua and Barbuda have enjoyed comfortable relations with both the United States and China.

“I am known by President Biden, he has had his advisors call me, even former president Obama and I had very good relations. So, the relationship between Antigua and the US is strong. It is the most important source market for tourists. It is also the most significant market in terms of our imports. 80% of what we consume are actually imported from the US,” he said

Browne said he has often lobbied both countries for more cooperative relationships “because, at the end of the day, these are the two most significant economies in the world…”

Browne said there is no doubt that China’s investment in the last two decades has been phenomenal.

He said that the investment from China exceeds 1 billion dollars.

China is funding various projects, including the airport, cargo port, agriculture, and housing, as part of its efforts in Antigua and Barbuda.

“China has assisted Antigua in many ways. Our most recent engagement in January this year was the signing of 10 cooperation agreements, even in the area of water sustainability…China has assisted Antigua and Barbuda in a significant way. If you take away that investment the situation in the country would be different,” he said

Browne said China has made contributions to every sector in Antigua and Barbuda

“They have provided opportunities for people to lift Antiguans out of poverty…I don’t see anyone who could argue with any truth say that the relationship is bad…they have helped us to build capacity in critical areas such as education…” Browne added

He said China has and continues to be a good friend to Antigua and Barbuda.

“We have taken the position that we are friends of all and enemies of none,” he said

Browne addressed remarks made in the article that the Chinese Embassy in Marble Hill was undermining US interests and that spying was going on there.

“Yes, it is a significant embassy with residencies; befitting the strong relations between Antigua and Barbuda and China. We welcomed the embassy. We went as far as granting five acres of land to China as a gift because they are a true friend and they have done a lot for us “ he said