Caribbean Segment of China’s Belt and Road Initiative in the Context of Sino-US Relations

The 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (MSR), part of the Belt and Initiative (BRI), aims to turn China into a “strong maritime power” controlling most important sea routes. Special Declaration, signed in January 2018 during Second China–CELAC Ministerial Forum, refers countries Latin America Caribbean (LAC) as MSR’s “natural extension”. By beginning this year, more than 20 LAC countries, including two-thirds Caribbean, have become “indispensable participants” Initiative. article analyzes BRI’s implementation region context Sino–US relations. primary sources are government documents, papers international organizations forums, think tank reports, speeches by officials, media publications, etc. In course study, following results obtained: recent scientific works on topic listed, issues considered them highlighted; some infrastructure projects briefly characterized; impact relations is identified; possible ways further development situation predicted. author comes conclusion that, one hand, reaping economic political benefits from engagement with countries. On other Beijing advancing grand chessboard extending BRI USA’s “backyard” “soft underbelly”. United States perceives grave threat national security takes retaliatory measures. This determines relevance studies segment.