Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations Photo: VCG

"This is not only cruel and absurd, but also profoundly heartbreaking," said Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations (UN), during a UN Security Council briefing on Haiti on Monday, in response to the US' imposition of a so-called 10 percent baseline tariff on Haiti, one of the world's least developed countries.

Not long ago, while the US defied world opinion by imposing sweeping tariffs on all trade partners, including a so-called baseline tariff of 10 percent on Haiti. This display of unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying is not just aimed at the so-called competitors like China. It has also harmed a fragile nation like Haiti, where the people are in dire straits. "This is not only cruel and absurd, but also profoundly heartbreaking," Geng said. 

According to Geng, Haiti was the first Latin American country to declare independence. However, it has then suffered many hardships due to a long period of military occupation, external interference, and economic exploitation. Throughout this process, the US has been the most significant external force shaping Haiti's security, stability, and development.

Geng asserted that the US has long played the role of mastermind in Haiti's political landscape. For over a century, it has blatantly deployed troops, installed puppet governments, and manipulated Haiti's constitution, entrenching itself in Haiti's political affairs. Just a year ago, the US orchestrated the current political transition arrangements in Haiti. Yet now, following a change in its own government, the US has turned a blind eye to that very transition, leaving Haiti mired in internal conflict and turmoil. 

Geng continued by stating that the US has always been the main source of weapons for Haiti. Although the US agreed to the Security Council's imposition of a territorial arms embargo on Haiti, it has always been perfunctory in its implementation, allowing illegal weapons to flow into Haiti from Florida. In October 2023, it spearheaded the formation of the Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti, pledging financial support. Yet over the past year, its actual contributions have been relatively limited. At one point, it even attempted to convert the mission into a UN peacekeeping operation, citing a lack of funds, an apparent act to shift the burden onto the UN and its member states, treating them as little more than an ATM machine. 

The US has consistently interfered in Haiti's development. While it claims to support the Haitian people, it has significantly cut foreign aid and continued deporting Haitian immigrants on the pretext of national priorities precisely when Haiti is in dire need of support, according to Geng.

We hope that the US will reflect on all of the above. Haiti's future should not be sacrificed to the US pursuit of its own strategic interests, nor should "being too close to the US" become a curse for Haiti, Geng stated.

The Chinese envoy added that the international community should continue supporting Haiti in strengthening its institutions and capabilities, helping it move toward independence, self-reliance, and sustainable development. China, he said, stands ready to join all parties to continue playing a constructive role. 

Global Times