China condemns U.S. tariffs on Haiti amid crisis, calls for reevaluation of support

On a recent occasion at the United Nations Security Council, Geng Shuang, China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, condemned the United States for imposing tariffs on Haiti amidst its worsening crisis. He highlighted the U.S. claims of supporting the Haitian people, juxtaposed with substantial cuts to foreign aid and the deportation of Haitian immigrants. Geng noted the alarming extension of a 10% basic tariff on Haiti, underscoring the nation's dire need for assistance.

Expressing deep concern, Geng outlined the escalating crisis in Haiti, marked by rampant gang violence and a deteriorating state, which has led to a critical humanitarian situation for its citizens. During a special session, María Isabel Salvador presented a grim report detailing the staggering violence, with over 1,000 individuals killed and more than 1 million displaced since December, warning of an impending point of no return due to this escalating violence.

Geng’s remarks attributed a significant portion of the crisis to the historical interference of the United States, asserting that the U.S. has been the greatest external factor disrupting Haiti’s security and development. He condemned the American interventionist policies, which have included military deployments and the installation of puppet governments, asserting that the U.S. has consistently been the primary source of arms fueling gang violence in Haiti. He cited a recent report from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime illustrating that gangs in Haiti possess greater firepower than police forces.

Additionally, Geng criticized the U.S. for its lack of substantial contributions to the Multinational Security Support Mission, despite promises of financial assistance. He referenced the freezing of $13 million in aid by the Trump administration earlier this year as an example of the inconsistent support provided to Haiti.

In conclusion, the Chinese representative urged a reevaluation of U.S. actions in Haiti and emphasized that the future of Haiti should not be jeopardized for the U.S.'s strategic interests. He called for a commitment to effective, targeted assistance rather than superficial engagements, reaffirming support for collaborative efforts with regional organizations like Caricom and the UN Integrated Office in Haiti, to address the root causes of the ongoing crisis.