A new study examines Chinese presence and geopolitical and economic resilience across Aruba and five other Caribbean Kingdom islands.
Research Covers Six Caribbean Islands
A new Caribbean Kingdom resilience study examines Chinese presence in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten. Titled Chinese Presence and Geopolitical Resilience in the Caribbean Parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the report uses that analysis to identify broader vulnerabilities and opportunities to strengthen economic and geopolitical resilience.
Presence Is Distinguished From State Influence
The researchers found that Chinese presence has grown over recent decades mainly through migration, entrepreneurship and private economic activity, while finding little evidence that Chinese state influence increased substantially. The report emphasizes that an economic or social presence does not automatically amount to political influence directed by a state.
External Dependencies Shape Wider Risks
The study also reviews dependencies in imports, energy, digital infrastructure, logistics, tourism and security. Conducted by Clingendael researchers with local and regional specialists, it included 43 stakeholder interviews. The report proposes better mapping and diversification of dependencies, stronger information-sharing and oversight, and improved Kingdom cooperation that respects each island's responsibilities and autonomy.
