Topic: 2024-The Situation in Guyana
Country: China
Delegate Name: Alexandra Pryplesh
China sees the deescalation of the border conflict in the Essequibo region, and larger calming of tensions between Guyana and Venezuela as of the utmost importance, not only for the sake of both countries and their citizens, but for the larger region and globe. The first and only way to address the decades long disagreement is through bilateral negotiation. Previous attempts to conclude the issue, such as the 1899 treaty framed by American arbitration and the 1966 Geneva agreement keeping things stagnant have both proven fruitless in the quest to achieve resolution due to a lack of willingness to tackle the issue head on. The prevalence of this conflict has made its way firmly into the limelight of international relations since Venezuela’s 2023 referendum and subsequent annexation, raising the stakes of this committee’s discussion greatly. The risk is so immediate and apparent that the long wait in the ICJ is no longer an option. Action and resolution must occur now.
China maintains that a few pieces of context are integral to progress. Perhaps the primary factor motivating the heightening tensions in the region are the recent transformative political and economic history of each of these countries. In many ways, since the beginning of this conflict, the identities and circumstances of both Guyana and Venezuela have completely shifted. China urges that this background be kept in mind. This is not simply a disagreement of land, but of resources, oil in particular, that have the power to transform the lives of struggling Venezuelans and Guyanese. The potential consequences of armed conflict stretch far outside the disputed border, with the entire region at risk of instability, and global trading partners of both parties such as China in profound danger as well.
While it is essential that the international community facilitate communication and resolution of this issue as best it can, employing regional institutions’ collaborative expertise such as the Organization of American States (OAS) and CARICOM (Caribbean Community), it must be careful to empower the voices of those countries involved rather than give into the temptation to lead. Providing support to both countries will do the most good to reach its peaceful end, as internal strife is what ultimately inflames tension. Guyana has, naturally, struggled to achieve equal distribution of the incredible economic gains it has made in recent years due to oil production, many terming it the fastest growing economy on Earth. Much can and should be done to provide guidance to help it achieve sustainable development domestically. For its part, China has contributed to infrastructure projects, donated medical equipment, and provided rafts and assistance in the face of recent flooding in Guyana. Similar assistance, carefully administered to both Guyana and Venezuela, can nurse the inevitable sacrifices of conflict resolution. Venezuela’s crisis is well documented, but few have done, as China has through billions in loans, the work to intentionally invest and support it without infringing on its sovereign decision making power. This committee should be careful not to take action past its jurisdiction or pressure the Maduro administration into action. Rather, humanitarian assistance to deal with the consequences of hyperinflation and mass migration must be prioritized over direct, targeted action such as sanctions against Venezuela’s already struggling populace.
Ultimately, China believes the situation in Guyana should be met with halting of military action and carefully considered negotiation to the benefit of both parties, as facilitated by international mediators. Through aid to both parties the complete picture of the issue can be changed, moving the region and the world at large closer to peace and avoiding the pernicious perils of war.
Works Cited:
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“How Venezuela’s Threats Are Restructuring China-Guyana Relations.” – The Diplomat, thediplomat.com/2024/06/how-venezuelas-threats-are-restructuring-china-guyana-relations/. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.
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