Haïti entre les États-Unis, la Chine et Taïwan : pion ou acteur stratégique ?

Haiti Between the US, China, and Taiwan: A Pawn or a Strategic Player?

By Patrick Prézeau Stephenson (Le Français suit)

As the United States dismantles its foreign aid mechanisms under the Trump administration, the global balance of power is shifting. The suspension of USAID, Washington’s primary vehicle for development assistance, has left many vulnerable nations in limbo—including Haiti [1]. While this move signals a broader retrenchment of American engagement, it also creates an opening for new actors, particularly China, to expand their influence in the Caribbean.

For Haiti, a country with long-standing economic struggles and deep-rooted institutional weaknesses, the moment demands a radical rethink of its foreign policy. No longer can Haiti afford to be a passive player, caught in the tug-of-war between great powers. Instead, a pragmatic and strategic foreign policy must prioritize national interests, economic sovereignty, and sustainable development.

The Decline of U.S. Influence and the China Factor

For decades, Haiti has relied on U.S. assistance, both through direct aid and institutions like USAID. However, Trump's foreign policy shift signals an era where America’s role in Haiti will be significantly diminished. The question is: who will fill the void?

China has long viewed the Caribbean as a strategic region in its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), seeking to strengthen its foothold through infrastructure investments, trade agreements, and diplomatic partnerships. Beijing’s growing presence in the Caribbean has already led to shifts in allegiance among regional nations, with countries like the Dominican Republic, Panama, and El Salvador severing ties with Taiwan in favor of Beijing in recent years.

Haiti remains one of Taiwan’s last diplomatic allies—one of only 12 globally. However, without strong U.S. backing, the economic incentives of switching recognition to China could become harder to resist. Beijing has used financial diplomacy to entice small nations, offering multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects and economic incentives in exchange for recognition. For a country like Haiti, where development is stagnant and state institutions are in disarray, China’s financial package might seem like an irresistible offer.

The Dangers of a One-Dimensional Approach

However, aligning solely with China carries significant risks. While Chinese investments can help improve Haiti’s infrastructure, they often come with long-term dependency and debt burdens. Many nations participating in the BRI have found themselves locked into unsustainable loans, with key assets—such as ports and airports—falling under Chinese control.

Moreover, China’s investments rarely prioritize local labor or knowledge transfer, meaning that while large-scale projects may be built, their long-term impact on local economic growth remains limited. Haiti cannot afford to trade one form of dependency for another.

A Multipolar Foreign Policy: The Smart Alternative

Haiti must embrace a multipolar foreign policy—one that engages a diverse set of partners rather than becoming overly reliant on any single power. This means:

1. Diversifying Strategic Partnerships

Haiti should strengthen economic and political ties not only with China and the U.S. but also with middle-power nations like Japan, South Korea, and Brazil. Japan, for instance, has invested heavily in resilient infrastructure in the Caribbean and could be a critical ally in sustainable urban planning and disaster resilience.

2. Leveraging the African Union and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

Haiti should deepen its integration with CARICOM and seek stronger partnerships with African nations under the African Union’s economic initiatives. Countries like Rwanda and Ghana have successfully navigated foreign partnerships while maintaining economic sovereignty, offering potential models for Haiti to follow.

3. Playing a Strategic Role in Taiwan-China Relations

Haiti’s diplomatic relationship with Taiwan is a valuable bargaining chip. Instead of hastily switching allegiances, Haiti should use its position to negotiate better economic terms—both with Taiwan and China. If Taiwan wants to maintain Haiti’s support, it must significantly increase its investment in Haiti’s economic development. Conversely, if Haiti does consider recognizing Beijing, it should secure an agreement that avoids debt traps and maximizes local economic benefits.

4. Reinforcing Economic Sovereignty

Haiti’s reliance on foreign aid has hindered its ability to build a self-sustaining economy. Rather than depending on external assistance, Haiti should prioritize:

o Agricultural revitalization to reduce food imports.

o Energy independence, leveraging its potential in solar and wind power.

o Strengthening the Haitian diaspora’s role in investment and economic growth.

Conclusion: A Foreign Policy for the 21st Century

Haiti stands at a crossroads. With U.S. disengagement and China’s increasing global presence, the nation must craft a foreign policy that is neither naïve nor reactionary but instead grounded in national interest, economic self-sufficiency, and geopolitical pragmatism.

Rather than being a pawn in global rivalries, Haiti has the opportunity to redefine its position on the world stage—if its leaders are wise enough to act now.