An Analysis of the Prospect of the Implementation of China’s “Belt and Road” Initiative (BRI) in the Caribbean Region from the Perspective of the Varied Cultural Norms, Values, Social Structures and Distinct Characteristics

Abstract

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been a major priority of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) since 2013, and have garnered widespread awareness and prominence through its plan to connect China with the rest of Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Since the revitalization of the BRI, the Caribbean region’s attention has been drawn towards this grand trade strategy; even throughout the many challenges the region faces. Primarily, the Caribbean region comprises a variety of small island countries, of which China has short and long-term interests. But, over the years, it seems China is destined to further connect the “Caribbean Island Countries” in the “backyard” of the traditional hegemon, the United States of America, to the revived “Ancient Silk Road” trade routes. Nevertheless, how does the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) fits into the Caribbean region? Will it also have a broader relevance in the Caribbean? Notable of importance, is that several Caribbean Island countries have indicated strong interest to participate in this grand trade policy. Thus, on this basis, this paper determines that China and the Caribbean region do have different cultural norms, values, social structures and characteristics, which are all rooted in their cultural backgrounds that has shaped and defined their identities to make them distinctively unique from each other, and also other nations around the globe. Furthermore, it is recognized that the prospect of the BRI presence in the Caribbean will mean cultural challenges, owing to the diverse cultures of the Caribbean region. So, within this context, this paper intends to explore the prospect of China’s plan to further increase its presence and motivation in the region through the implementation of the BRI, from a cultural perspective. With the focus on the varied cultural norms, values, social structures and distinct characteristics; what will the prospect of the implementation of China the BRI means in order to achieve further levels of mutual cooperation with the Caribbean region.