There will be structural and operations hurdles to cross to achieve these potentials, but the opportunities are there. There is also the potential for Jamaica to export goods and services to China and for Jamaica to become a destination for Chinese tourists. Good infrastructure investments can help achieve more inclusive growth, attract more foreign direct investments, and create more jobs.

In addition, China's investment in infrastructure in Jamaica provides the potential for excellent opportunities. It does, however, have at least one political caveat that recipients recognise the People's Republic of China as the sole and rightful government of Taiwan.ДЇor all intents and purposes, China has so far been faithful to its foreign policy goals in Jamaica. This particular approach has fostered a school of thought that some countries, including Jamaica, may be gorging on debt and could soon choke.Д¬hina has declared that its foreign policy includes mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. Jamaica has given up prime real estate in lieu of payment already. However, China is flexible on its repayment terms as it will accept physical commodities in lieu of payment.

These countries are considered as high risk to default on loans. The terms of China's loans, although not all published, can be discerned from its actions.Д¬hina has a high-risk tolerance based on its loans to countries like Chad, Eritrea, Congo, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Venezuela. It wants to secure access to markets and raw commodities and to generate sufficient employment for its population to reduce poverty and enlarge its middle class. This represents more than a thousand per cent increase.Д¬hina's investment goals in Jamaica and other countries are clear. Unsurprisingly, the number of Chinese nationals being granted work permits has also risen over the period from less than 200 in 2012 to more than 2,000 in 2017. The figure does not entirely represent Chinese investments in Jamaica but accounts for the vast majority. Sign up for The GleanerвЂ™s morning and evening newsletters. Jamaica attracted more than US$4.2b over the six-year period, by far the most in the region. The World Investment Report 2018 indicates that Jamaica has had the greatest foreign direct investment inflows regionally since 2012.

Jamaica has shown a healthy appetite for Chinese loans and, consequently, Kingston is currently a construction site with several major infrastructural projects occurring simultaneously. The moral of the comparison between the years 16 is when a superpower comes with gifts - whether with an armada and cannons or loans, for infrastructure development - it is not likely to be ignored. The methodology for gaining hegemony has changed (no need for colonisation) however, the objectives remain the same. China is emerging as a global superpower seeking commercial and political influence, and it has an interest in Jamaica. The purpose of the invasion was for commerce and political influence.ДЇast-forward to 2010, nearly 360 years later, to modern Jamaica. England was emerging as a world power and challenged the hegemony of Spain. Jamaica was invaded in 1655 by the English, who captured the island from Spain.

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