The Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, held a meeting in Beijing with his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, reaffirming China's "strong support" for the Cuban regime and expressing interest in expanding cooperation and intensifying multilateral collaboration amidst the island's economic crisis.
During the high-level meeting, Yi praised Cuba for defending "China's just positions in international forums" and reiterated the commitment to support its ally "in defending its sovereignty and fighting against foreign intervention," according to EFE. The member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China condemned the "irrational U.S. embargo" and "the inclusion in the list of state sponsors of terrorism."
"Both states are good friends who trust each other, good comrades who share the same goals, and good brothers who share both fortune and adversity," noted the statement published on the Chinese Foreign Ministry's website.
Yi also lauded Cuba for adhering to the truth, challenging power, and setting a flag of self-improvement for the cause of global progress. Furthermore, he expressed the willingness to transform mutual political trust into more pragmatic cooperation measures in all areas.
Rodríguez, on his part, emphasized that the relationship has a deep base in public opinion and is a valuable asset worth advancing and inheriting. "Cuba admires the globally recognized achievements in building socialism with Chinese characteristics under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, and sincerely appreciates its firm support to resist the unreasonable blockade and U.S. interference, overcoming temporary difficulties in Cuba's economic functioning," stated the Cuban Foreign Minister.
The diplomat added that his government "will strengthen strategic coordination with China, jointly promote the Global South agenda, and safeguard sovereignty and independence in defense of the socialist cause."
Recent High-Level Visits
The visit by the Cuban Foreign Minister follows the one made by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero in November last year and President Miguel Díaz-Canel in 2022.
Recently, a donation from China consisting of 66 containers with more than 1,580 tons of rice arrived at the port of Mariel in the western province of Artemisa. This shipment was the first of seven deliveries totaling 20,000 tons of the essential cereal between June and August.
Likewise, the Cuban government is immersed in a campaign to boost tourism from China. In May, an Air China Boeing 787-9 arrived in Havana with 116 passengers, resuming the connection between the capitals of both territories.
Cuba and China, with diplomatic ties since 1960, maintain close political, economic, and commercial relations, with the Asian country standing out as one of the main allies of the communist island.
In 2023, Rodríguez refuted various reports pointing to the existence of a Chinese espionage base in Cuba, calling U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's claims "false, entirely false." "The position of Cuba on this issue is clear and unequivocal," Rodríguez said.
As part of his international tour, the Cuban Foreign Minister will visit Russia next week to attend a ministerial meeting of the BRICS group in the city of Nizhni Novgorod and meet with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.
The regime seeks the support of its main allies in an attempt to lift a country submerged in one of its worst crises due to, among other factors, the inefficiency of its centralized economic system, resulting in shortages of fuel, food, medicine, and other basic products for its inhabitants.
China's Support for Cuba: Key Questions Answered
Given the recent developments between China and Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions that provide deeper insights into the situation.
Why is China supporting Cuba?
China supports Cuba due to their long-standing political, economic, and ideological alliance. Both countries share a commitment to socialism and often back each other in international forums.
What are the main areas of cooperation between China and Cuba?
The main areas of cooperation include economic aid, trade, tourism, and political support. China has recently provided substantial food aid to Cuba and aims to strengthen tourism ties.
How does the U.S. embargo affect Cuba-China relations?
The U.S. embargo has pushed Cuba to seek support from allies like China. Both countries condemn the embargo and see their cooperation as a way to counteract its effects.