Isidoros Karderinis

China from the beginning of the 21st century until now has succeeded and climbed to the second place in the world economy after the USA. Thus, it now claims global diplomatic and economic influence, competing with the other major powers in trade and investment, especially in Africa.
Africa on the other hand is a vast geographical area of the planet, it is the world's third largest continent in terms of area and second in population (estimated approximately for 2024 at 1.5 billion inhabitants). It has an area of about 30.2 million square kilometers together with the surrounding islands and occupies 6% of the total surface of the Earth and 20.4 percent of the total land area.
It is also rich in natural resources (oil, natural gas, uranium, lithium, cobalt, diamonds, gold, copper, etc.) and is therefore of great economic interest. The Democratic Republic of Congo, for example, accounts for about 70% of the world's cobalt production.
China's relations with African states are, of course, not new. They date from the 1950s, and specifically in 1955, when the Bandung Conference took place, in which the 29 participating African and Asian countries adopted the "Five Principles for Peaceful Coexistence", which China had initially agreed with of India in 1954. These are: mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit and peaceful co-existence.
At that time, China signed state trade agreements with African states, such as Algeria or Sudan. Also at the end of 1963, the then Premier of China, Chu Enlai, number two after Mao Zedong, made a trip to ten African states in two months. Since then, China's presence in Africa has been increasingly intense.
China's interests in the African continent are centered on economy, politics, security and culture. Africa is important to China primarily as a huge source of resources to sustain its growing manufacturing base, as well as a source of energy security. At the same time, China sees Africa as an important destination for its low-cost manufactured goods.
Africa also plays an important role in international multilateral organizations and especially in organizations where each member- country has one vote. Thus, China is trying to woo African governments in order, to garner support for its policies on the international stage.
Since 2002, in fact, the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has been fully operational, whose members are 53 African countries (i.e. all fully recognized except the Kingdom of Eswatini which has diplomatic relations with Taiwan), and which operates at three levels with higher the ministerial level. It is also held every three years, alternating between an African country and China. The most recent FOCAC Conference was held in Beijing from 4-6 September 2024.
At this 9th Conference, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to provide Africa with 360 billion yuan ($50.7 billion) in financial support over the next three years, while promising that his government would help create at least 1 million jobs on the continent.
FOCAC, established in 2000, is the main multilateral coordination mechanism between African countries and China and is based on the declarations on the principles of peaceful coexistence. FOCAC is the main channel through which China provides resources to African countries. Through FOCAC, China provides aid in the forms of debt cancellation. In 2003, it deleted US$750 million to a total of 31 African countries—grant aid, soft loans, and interest-free loans.
Beijing, therefore, is the first creditor and one of the main financers of many infrastructure projects. Chinese funding has gone into building highways and railways - recently, the Addis Ababa-Djibouti and Mombasa-Nairobi railway networks in Kenya were handed over to local governments and electricity production power stations across the continent (e.g., in Nigeria, Ghana, and Gabon).
After all, more than 3,000 Chinese companies are present in African cities, of which over 70% are private companies, forming the mainstay of Chinese investment in Africa.
From 2017 to 2022, China's foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa reached 74 billion yuan ($10.14 billion), accounting for 18% of global foreign direct investment in Africa and on par with Europe and the USA.
Beijing is the leading trading partner of the African continent. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), almost a quarter of African exports go to China, mainly minerals and metals, and about 16% of imports come from it. China's trade with African countries peaked in 2023 at $282 billion.
At the same time, as reported by the Global Times, tourists from China visited various African destinations in 2024, including Kenya, Tanzania and Morocco. In fact, according to this publication, Kenya announced $1.1 billion in revenue from similar tourism activities in the first half of 2024 alone.
China is, moreover, in fierce and open competition with the West, primarily the United States, in Africa, with the two superpowers trying to increase their political influence on the continent and their access to its natural resources.
China's penetration campaign in Africa takes on added weight for the Chinese regime as it claims leadership in the so-called "Global South," which has gained such momentum that it implicitly indicates the rearrangement of global power between an old and a rising world.
In closing, I would like to emphasize that the declared principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states must not be circumvented by China under any circumstances. The future of Africa which has been brutally tortured by European colonialism-most exploited in terms of its natural resources and its population-must be determined by Africans, not dictated by any foreign powers that may seek to exploit their resources and their problematic points for their own benefit.

Washington D.C.:---  Sint Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport officially reopened today, following extensive rehabilitation after the airport was destroyed by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

The destruction of the airport, a key connection hub for neighboring countries, severely impacted local revenue on the tourism-dependent island. The airport terminal reconstruction was financed through $92 million from the World Bank-managed Sint Maarten Reconstruction, Resilience and Recovery Trust Fund, comprising a grant from the Government of the Netherlands and a $50 million loan from the European Investment Bank. The initiative was facilitated by on-lending agreements between the Government of St Maarten and the Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company’s own funds.

The refurbishment has restored the airport’s operating capacity to pre-hurricane levels and enhanced the resilience and quality of service provided by this critical infrastructure. This new airport will boost local business opportunities through tourism and travel, promoting economic resilience.

"The recommissioning of the Princess Juliana International Airport marks a major milestone in Sint Maarten's recovery journey," said Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank Director for the Caribbean. "This critical infrastructure will stimulate economic growth, facilitate tourism, and enhance regional connectivity."

Reconstruction focused on airport terminals and facilities, the installation of resilient and energy-efficient systems and enhanced safety and security measures. The new airport also features replaced and upgraded equipment, including passenger boarding bridges, self-service baggage drop and baggage handling systems, security screening equipment, and digital signage.

Dr. Luc Mercelina, Prime Minister of Sint Maarten said, "The Princess Juliana International Airport stands as a symbol of Sint Maarten’s resilience and pride. Her remarkable restoration doesn’t just open doors for more visitors to experience our vibrant island; it unlocks new business opportunities and strengthens our ties across the region, enhancing connectivity and making travel more seamless with our neighboring islands”. He added, “This is more than an airport – it's the gateway to Sint Maarten’s boundless potential."

The finishing of the arrival hall in October 2024, marked the completion of the rehabilitation project. The reconstruction process was accompanied by extensive stakeholder consultation and awareness building to ensure Sint Maarteners were aware of changes, delays and the project’s progression.

The EIB’s support for the reconstruction of Sint Maarten’s airport embodies the ‘build back better’ approach, enhancing its resilience to extreme weather events, which are unfortunately becoming stronger due to climate change. We’re very optimistic that the renovated airport will contribute to the economic growth on Sint Maarten,” said European Investment Bank Vice-President Robert de Groot.

SIMSON BAY:---  Today marked a historic day at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). The airport commemorated the re-opening of its state-of-the-art terminal building, with a both festive and royal ceremony attended by Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands. The occasion carries historical significance, as it marked almost exactly 80 years since the airport was first inaugurated in 1944 by Princess Beatrix’s mother, Her Royal Highness Princess Juliana of the Netherlands, after whom the airport is named.
Nearly eight decades after the airport was first opened by Princess Juliana, Princess Beatrix unveiled a commemorative plaque, symbolizing a connection that spans generations. With applause from dignitaries, local officials, and the community, the event highlighted the enduring bond between the Dutch Royal Family and Sint Maarten—a bond that has supported the island through times of prosperity and challenge alike.

CEO of Princess Juliana International Airport Brian Mingo emphasized the importance for the island:
“Today, we celebrate not only a new beginning for Princess Juliana International Airport but also the continuation of an 80-year legacy. We are honored to welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix, whose presence today underscores the significance of our island, our airport—not only as a hub for tourism but also as an essential economic lifeline for St. Maarten and many of our neighboring islands. Our new terminal building reflects the commitment and resilience of our team and our airport. It has been built stronger and better to withstand the storms of tomorrow. Moreover, it has been improved to deliver the perfect passenger experience we all strive for. Our airport stands as a vital gateway, connecting people and cultures across the Caribbean and beyond."

In his address, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina emphasized the unity and tenacity that made this day possible: ‘“Through resilience, dedication, and hard work, we have turned vision into reality. This achievement is a testament to the spirit of Sint Maarten—a nation that rises above challenges and pursues greatness. As we celebrate today, let us carry forward the belief that together, there are no limits to what we can accomplish. My gratitude goes out to every Saint Martiner, big and small, who has stood by the airport throughout this journey, turning dreams into milestones.”

Historical Timeline Princess Juliana International Airport 1944-2024

March 4, 1944: Her Royal Highness Princess Juliana he Netherlands officially opens an airbase as a civilian airport.
March 20, 1964: Former Dutch Minister Barend Biesheuvel officially opens Princess Juliana International Airport on the site on Simpson Bay where it is currently located.
November 10, 2006: Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Kingdom of the Netherlands inaugurates the new terminal building of Princess Juliana International Airport, marking the official opening of the extended and upgraded airport facilities.
September 6, 2017: The airport is hit by Hurricane Irma (Cat 5).
January 2020: Princess Juliana International Airport signs the World Bank/EIB loan to reconstruct the terminal.
July 2021: Ballast Nedam International Project signs the contract to start the reconstruction.
September 2021: Ballast Nedam International Project starts the reconstruction works with the demolition of the upper floor departure area.
February 6, 2023: His Majesty King Willem Alexander, Her Majesty Queen Máxima, and Princess Amalia visit Princess Juliana International Airport as part of Princess Amalia's introductory trip to the Caribbean of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
November 15, 2023: The airport announces the soft opening of its brand-new departure hall.

January 12, 2024: The airport celebrates a big milestone with the opening of the new departure hall.
January 22, 2024: Princess Juliana International Airport and Winair unveil the brand-new check-in area for the first Winair passengers flying to Saba and St. Eustatius.
February 12, 2024: Princess Juliana International Airport unveils the brand-new check-in area for all airlines.
March 2024: Ballast Nedam started the reconstruction of an upgraded Arrival Hall. Construction of the Arrival Hall is anticipated to be finalized by the second quarter of 2024, in time for summer travel.
October 8, 2024: Ballast Nedam International Projects officially handed-over the key to Princess Juliana International Airport, marking the end of the reconstruction Phase 3.
October 18, 2024: Princess Juliana International Airport opens the new arrival hall for passengers with new entry form.
November 14, 2024: Opening airport terminal building: Princess Beatrix inaugurates the new airport terminal building of Princess Juliana International Airport.

PHILIPSBURG:---The Sint Maarten Youth Parliament is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the Annual Interscholastic Debate. The finals were held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the University of St. Martin (USM). This highly anticipated event brought together top young debaters from Milton Peters College and St. Dominic High, who engaged in a lively and thought-provoking discourse.
The moot for this debate was “Relaxed hair grooming rules are a distraction to learning.” ). Competing as the Proposition team from St. Dominic High were Tanya Halley (1st speaker), Adio Williams (2nd speaker), and Tamanna Sharma (rebutter). Representing Milton Peters College as the Opposition team were Asante Philips (1st speaker), Gabriella Pauletta (2nd speaker), and Isaiah Peterson (rebutter). After a spirited debate, Milton Peters College emerged victorious with an impressive total of 655 points, while St. Dominic High secured second place with 589 points.
Gabriella Pauletta of Milton Peters College was awarded the title of Best Speaker for the final debate with a score of 72 points. Notably, there was a tie for the Overall Best Speaker award between Gabriella Pauletta and Adio Williams of St. Dominic High, who received the Best Speaker award in debate one.
The Sint Maarten Youth Parliament congratulates all participants for their dedication and hard work in preparing for this event. We also extend our gratitude to the University of St. Martin for hosting the finals, providing a space where St. Maarten's youth can showcase their oratory and critical thinking skills. Special thanks to CC1 for providing water and beverages, and to Domino’s Pizza for their generous sponsorship of refreshments.