China Reaffirms Support for Cuba and Highlights Strength of Bilateral Friendship

The Special Representative of the Chinese Government for Latin American and Caribbean Affairs, Qiu Xiaoqi, reaffirmed in Beijing China's support for Cuba in defending its national sovereignty and security.

During an event commemorating the 66th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations, Qiu stated that his country will continue to support the economic and social development of the island, as well as its socialist path suited to its national conditions.

The representative noted that China will also foster new advancements in relations between both parties and countries, working alongside Cuba to uphold international fairness and justice.

Qiu recalled that Cuba was the first country in the Western Hemisphere to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China, 26 days after the popular consultation convened by Fidel Castro on September 2, 1960, known as the First Declaration of Havana.

As he explained, the decision opened a new chapter in Sino-Cuban ties, as well as in Beijing's relations with Latin America and the Caribbean. The official emphasized that the bilateral friendship has been passed down from generation to generation and that the bonds between both nations remain at the forefront of China's relations with the region.

He added that under the strategic guidance of Presidents Xi Jinping and Miguel Díaz-Canel, the China-Cuba community with a shared future has deepened and consolidated its ties with renewed vitality.

Qiu highlighted Fidel Castro's historic contribution to the development of Sino-Cuban relations and noted that this year marks the centenary of his birth.

Furthermore, he valued the activities organized in Cuba to honor the historic leader of the Revolution, stating that their success demonstrates that the island has friends around the world and that its cause enjoys broad support from the international community.

“China and Cuba are good friends, good comrades, and good brothers,” stated the representative, who expressed his confidence that the Cuban people will overcome the difficulties and obstacles on their path forward.

Officials, diplomats, representatives of Chinese entities and enterprises, former ambassadors to Cuba, and other guests attended the commemorative event.

The program featured speeches by representatives of both nations, the signing of a cooperation and friendly exchange plan for the 2026–2027 period, a cultural performance, the presentation of the Distinction for National Culture to Chinese poet Jidi Majia, and the opening of a photo exhibition highlighting bilateral friendship.