The Chinese Conflict was a tragic labour dispute during World War II in Curaçao. On 20 April 1942, fifteen Chinese seamen on strike were shot dead at Kamp Suffisant. What lies behind this relatively unknown event from 83 years ago? Nizaar Makdoembaks investigates how this conflict came to be and how the Dutch government’s past colonial power played a role in this conflict. For years now, he has been advocating for the murdered seamen to be recognised as war victims. This massacre also drew attention to the deplorable working conditions and structural underpayment of Chinese labourers.
The Chinese Conflict arose from a combination of factors, largely rooted in institutional racism and discrimination. During World War II, the Shell oil refinery in Curaçao (then a Dutch colony) was crucial to the Allied fuel supply. However, the working conditions were harsh, and discontent grew among Chinese workers. Between February and April 1942, over 400 workers went on a strike to demand better treatment.
Chinese labourers worked under dangerous conditions aboard oil tankers, which were operated by the Curaçaose Scheepvaart Maatschappij (C.S.M.), a Shell subsidiary. They were assigned the heaviest tasks in the holds of the ships, and often faced the higher risks and consequences during German torpedo attacks. This inequality in labour conditions reflected the racial hierarchy within the company.
Chinese workers were paid significantly less than their Dutch counterparts—a clear example of institutional racism that systematically devalued their labour.
Additionally, earlier wage-related conflicts, such as the protest on the Dutch ship Ovula in Alexandria, contributed to the rising tensions towards Chinese workers. The existence of these disputes however, highlighted the persistent inequality and discrimination faced by Chinese workers.
The Dutch government sought to crush the strike, fearing disruptions to the Allied oil supply. This led to a violent response from Dutch police, resulting in the shooting of fifteen Chinese strikers. The authorities prioritised corporate and Allied interests over the rights and lives of Chinese labourers—another manifestation of institutional racism.
Institutional racism ensured that policies, procedures, and regulations within Shell and the colonial administration perpetuated structural inequality between Chinese and Dutch workers. This systemic injustice was a root cause of the conflict and the mistreatment of Chinese labourers both on ships as well as in general.
All these factors contributed to an escalation within both the Dutch government as well as among the Chinese workers, to which consequently the Chinese Conflict broke out. This tragic event underscored the role of institutional racism in the exploitation of Chinese workers and the urgent need for fair and equal labour conditions.
On 16 February 1942—after Curaçao became embroiled in World War II due to German U-boat attacks on Dutch ships—the strike began. It quickly escalated into a brief uprising, culminating in the fatal shooting of fifteen Chinese strikers by Dutch police. This violent crackdown drew sharp criticism and prompted political scrutiny.
The Dutch authorities suppressed the strike with violence and implemented political measures. Officials who were responsible for the poor working conditions were forced to resign, and some improvements were made, including revisions to the contract system and physical work environments. A special commission from the Staten van Curaçao investigated the conflict and issued strong criticism of those in charge.
Though immediate reforms were limited, the Chinese Conflict raised awareness about the mistreatment of Chinese workers and the need for better labour standards. Today, the event is commemorated annually, and in 2021, the Dutch government expressed willingness to make a “fitting gesture” toward Curaçao’s Chinese community.
The 1942 Chinese Conflict remains a pivotal chapter in Curaçao’s labour and social justice history, reminding us of the ongoing struggle for fair and safe working conditions for all people.
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