China and Cuba: 65 years of solidarity

Images via the PCC

By Katherin Hormigó Rubio, translated from the Spanish

Beijing - "There is a very close relationship between Cuba and China, we are communist countries and our relations are a good example for Latin America and the Caribbean," said Ambassador Qiu Xiaoqi, special representative of the Chinese government for Latin American and Caribbean affairs, at a recent press conference where he spoke about diplomatic relations between Cuba and China.

Since 1960, Cuba and China have exemplified cooperation and solidarity between nations. In the annals of Cuban diplomacy, China holds a significant position, as Cuba was the first country in Latin America to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China on September 28, 1960.

Besides being the first nation with which China signed a trade agreement, Cuba openly declared its readiness to jointly establish the Community of Shared Destiny at the bilateral level. Over time, this initiative has become a central pillar, not only in the relationship between Cuba and China but also in China's interactions with other countries globally.

Ambassador Qiu Xiaoqi, who has extensive experience in the region, highlighted the main guidelines of China's foreign policy towards Latin American and Caribbean countries, underscoring Beijing's willingness to build solid, diverse and long-term ties.

He emphasized that Chinese diplomacy seeks to build a "shared future" for humanity, a key element of President Xi Jinping's vision. Additionally, he noted that "China supports the initiative to make Latin America and the Caribbean a zone of peace."

He emphasized that the idea of a "shared future" relies on five key characteristics: the country's population size, the pursuit of prosperity for everyone, the balance between material and spiritual progress, the harmonious relationship between humans and nature, and peaceful development. Qiu believes these foundations enable the development of an international cooperation model where Latin America plays an increasingly significant role.

Regarding Cuba and its relations with the United States, the ambassador was explicit: he emphasized that the Chinese government consistently opposes Washington's interference in the island's internal affairs.

"We are always ready to adhere to the strategic policies set forth by our presidents and to strengthen our diplomatic and friendly relations to construct a community of shared destiny", reaffirming the nation's dedication to maintaining ties with Cuba.

He also addressed the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States on Cuba, emphasizing that the sanctions against Cuba should be lifted. He highlighted China's consistent support in the UN votes each year to end the genocidal blockade. Additionally, he advocated for respecting the sovereignty of Latin American and Caribbean countries.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of bilateral relations between Cuba and China. More than that, it commemorates 65 years since two geographically and culturally distant peoples chose to forge bonds of friendship, solidarity, and comradeship.

This work was translated and shared via a License CC-BY-NC