ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — The United States has approved grant funding to replace a Chinese-installed information technology system at Antigua and Barbuda’s main seaport, Prime Minister Gaston Browne says, following concerns raised by Washington about the existing equipment.
United States Approves Grant
Speaking Saturday on the Browne and Browne Show, Browne said U.S. concerns included speculation about whether the Chinese-installed system could present security risks.
“I know that within the U.S. they are speculating, and maybe within our port facility that maybe there could be Chinese spyware as a result of the IT system that they installed,” Browne said.
The prime minister did not say spyware had been discovered at the port. Instead, he characterized the issue as speculation from the United States and said the U.S. wanted the existing system removed.
“I’m told that they would like to see us remove the IT system,” Browne said.
His response, he said, was straightforward.
“I’ve said to them, fine, we’ll remove the IT system if the United States provides the money.”
Browne said Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority General Manager Darwin Telemaque subsequently informed him that grant funding had been approved.
“And recently, just two days ago, Darwin Telemaque told me that they have approved a grant,” Browne said.
He said the money had not yet been made available, with another agreement still to be completed.
“They’re now waiting for us to complete the TCN agreement, and they’ll make that grant available,” Browne said.
The prime minister did not disclose the value of the grant, provide a timetable for replacing the system or explain the details of the TCN agreement during the programme.
Browne rejects suggestion of Chinese conspiracy
While agreeing to replace the system, Browne rejected any suggestion that Antigua and Barbuda’s relationship with China involved an attempt to undermine the United States.
“We have no difficulty with that,” Browne said of replacing the system. “I’m pretty sure that China has no issue with it either, because there was no conspiracy to provide any opportunity for any spyware to be installed in our port.”
He said the government would cooperate with Washington.
“So, again, we will cooperate fully with the United States,” Browne said.
The prime minister simultaneously defended Antigua and Barbuda’s relationship with China, pointing to Chinese financing and assistance for major infrastructure projects.
“Our relationship with China is exclusively commercial,” Browne said. “We’re not into any geopolitical conspiracy to hurt the United States.”
He added: “Our relationship with China is not a threat to the United States.”
Government says it will maintain ties with both countries
Browne said Antigua and Barbuda intends to maintain its longstanding relationship with Washington while continuing its partnership with Beijing.
“We will maintain our traditional friendships with the United States, because the United States is a very important ally of Antigua and Barbuda,” he said.
Browne noted that the United States is a major tourism source market and an important trading partner for Antigua and Barbuda.
“So it’s not in our interest to have enemies,” he said. “Our interest is to leverage our foreign policy for the benefit of the people of Antigua and Barbuda.”
The prime minister’s comments indicate that the government has agreed in principle to replace the Chinese-installed port IT system once the U.S. grant becomes available, but the amount of funding and timeline for the changeover have not yet been disclosed.
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