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China's Image Building Through Infrastructure Investment In The Caribbean Region:Case Study Of Grenada

Posted on:2018-11-01Degree:MasterType:Thesis
Country:ChinaCandidate:Noreen Andrea CoxFull Text:PDF
GTID:2336330515470032Subject:International relations
Abstract/Summary:PDF Full Text Request
In recent years China has been deepening ties with countries in the Caribbean Region.China as one of the fastest growing economies in the world has been utilizing its surplus money to provide aid and investments in many of the Caribbean countries,Grenada included.At the time,many of the countries were suffering as a result of starved economies and with an influx of infrastructure investments as a major factor,the economies progressed.Infrastructure development has been one of the areas where significant contributions have been made by the Chinese Government.Through this initiative China continues to increase its presence in the Caribbean thereby building up its image and reputation as a friendly and mutually beneficial partner.There have been indications of further investments and interests which signals continued relations.This paper seeks to identify the infrastructure projects that have been completed in Grenada and how it is used as a catalyst of China's image building in the country as per its government.Additionally,it explores China's image building initiative in the Caribbean region as a whole.Finally,this paper addresses how the China-Grenada relation can be further improved so as to continue building on the principles of friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation.Located in the Eastern Caribbean,Grenada is considered a developing country.With recently re-established ties with the People's Republic of China(PRC),this thesis aimed at examining the perception of the Government of Grenada(GOG)toward the former.With China making significant contributions in the area of infrastructure development,it is worthwhile to explore how their image in Grenada has been affected through the implementation of such projects or business undertakings.China's presence has been increased not just in Grenada but in the Caribbean as a whole.Most of the Caribbean countries are relatively small in terms of size and population and so while individually they may seem insignificant,collectively they are presented as an asset to China.Historically,the Caribbean has been a competitive ground between the People's Republic of China and Taiwan,China with both attempting to garner the support of the countries therein.However,in the mid 2000's China won over the support of a number of those countries when it heavily invested in building Stadiums.While most of the Caribbean countries lacks resources,by developing relations with China they ultimately support the ‘one China policy' and this helps China leverage in International bodies.In this light,this paper goes a bit further by also exploring China's presence and image building through the use of infrastructure development in the Caribbean as a whole.In order to maintain the support of the Caribbean countries it is important that China sustains a favorable image,and one such way is through the continuous process of infrastructure development which helps build the economies of the developing countries of the Caribbean.These come in the form of grants,concessional/interest free loans;ultimately fostering friendly relations with the Government of Grenada and by extension that of the other Caribbean countries.Chapter one introduces the thesis by giving a historical background of China's relations in Grenada and the Caribbean.China's image building initiatives is also presented therein to demonstrate the emphasis placed by the PRC on the cultivating of a favorable image worldwide.It also gives an overview as to how the paper is structured,the objectives,research problem and hypothesis and methodology that was used to obtain data.In Chapter two International Relations theories that relate to the topic is presented in the form of the literature review.Neorealism and Neoliberalism are the theories discussed,however,for the purpose of this thesis the relationship being discussed falls within the spectrum of win-win cooperation.Scholarly works related to China's engagement in the Caribbean region is reviewed in this section.Foreign Direct Investments is one of the tools used by China to penetrate the Caribbean region and so this is also studied.It was discovered that many of the Caribbean countries has been seeking to open up their markets to foreign investors as a way to stimulate economic activity and growth.China has been capitalizing on this by making huge investments especially by building hotels and since most of the countries are heavily dependent on tourism,additional hotels and guest houses is welcomed because it enhances their product.In 2008 the PRC released its policy paper on Latin America and the Caribbean;it was subsequently updated in 2013.The content of the policy paper is discussed as it relates to the area of infrastructural development.Chapter three explores China's image building in Grenada and by extension the Caribbean.The PRC's foreign policy objective as it relates to infrastructural development is discussed and linked to its image building initiatives.In promoting itself as a harmonious international player with win-win cooperation at its core,the PRC voiced its intentions of strengthening cooperation in the area of infrastructure cooperation in the Caribbean.When capital is injected into the area of infrastructure,it is seen as an economic tool because it fosters avenues for the recipient country to possibly receive long term income depending on the type of project.This ultimately leads to the Caribbean favoring relations with the PRC since these arrangements stimulates economic activity.In 1999 the Chinese Government initiated the ‘Go out Policy' which is also referred to as the ‘Going Global Strategy' to promote Chinese Investments abroad.This is also looked at in this chapter.Chapter four examines the image of the PRC in the country of Grenada.The infrastructural projects completed and the Foreign Direct Investment projects are presented and analyzed.The way in which Grenada benefitted from such investments especially economically were examined.These benefits over time lead to China being favored by the Government of Grenada which helps with the building of a good image.It was revealed through research that there were some less favorable views at times from the general public in Grenada.While primarily,the PRC is concerned with the perception of the government because they are the representatives in the international fora where China seeks support,more attention should be paid to the views of the general populace of the country where investments are being made especially in the promotion of public diplomacy.The government of a country represents the people,and in the Caribbean the government is appointed by the people.When the people are engaged more,they will be more supportive of their government's decision and this in turn makes the job of the government easier and less tainted by negativity.This and other recommendations based on findings are included in this chapter.Finally,the thesis is concluded by reviewing findings and solidifying arguments presented.As was discussed previously,there is a level of uncertainty from the local population but on the part of the GOG the PRC is seen as a friend and an ally;one whom,from all signs it intends on continuing relations with.Hence,the hypothesis of this paper stands,from all indications China is favorably viewed by the Government of Grenada and so the relationship that currently exists is futuristic.
Keywords/Search Tags:Infrastructure Investment, National Image, Soft Power, Public Diplomacy
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