China and Cuba, For a Community of Shared Future
Ma Hui
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China is willing to work with Cuba as companions of socialism, good partners for common development and good comrades in strategic coordination
IN 2013, President Xi Jinping put forward the concept of building a community of shared future of mankind, which represents the greatest common denominator of all peoples, in the desire to build a better world.
It has far-reaching theoretical value and historical significance, and is showing increasingly strong influence, vitality and convening power.
China and Cuba are joining together to build a Sino-Cuban community of shared future, injecting an important impetus to the development of bilateral relations.
They are two good friends, close partners and intimate brothers. In November 2022, the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the Republic, Xi Jinping, held talks at the Great Hall of the People with the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, who was in Beijing on a state visit.
The two leaders had an in-depth exchange of views on the relations between the two parties and countries, as well as on international and regional issues of common interest, and expressed that they would continue to promote the implementation of the consensus reached, and agreed to continue deepening friendly and special relations in the new era, promoting the construction of a community of shared future between China and Cuba, in the process of building a community of shared future of mankind.
Senior Cuban Party and government officials affirmed that Cuba is a beneficiary and firm supporter of this concept, and is willing to work with China, hand in hand, to promote the building of such a community of shared future between the two countries.
Mutual political trust continues to deepen. China regards and develops the special friendly relations between the two parties and countries from a strategic and comprehensive perspective, and adheres to the guideline of long-term friendship.
In August 2023, when President Xi Jinping met with President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez in Johannesburg, South Africa, he assured that China is willing to further deepen mutual political trust, expand practical cooperation and intensify strategic coordination with Cuba, so as to promote the continuous development of special friendly relations between the two sides.
The high-level leaders of the two parties and countries have maintained political dialogue and friendly exchanges through official visits, sharing in-depth experiences on bilateral cooperation and party and country governance, and actively implementing the consensus reached by the two heads of state.
Practical cooperation between China and Cuba continues to be strengthened. The two sides co-chaired the 30 session of the Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Economic and Trade Relations to plan bilateral economic and trade cooperation and promote the joint construction of the high-quality Belt and Road between the two countries.
Cuba attaches great importance to the China International Import Expo, and has participated in it for many consecutive years.
Honey, tobacco, rum and other high-standard Cuban products have entered the Chinese market through e-commerce platforms, and are well received by Chinese consumers.
The two countries have jointly built the largest and most advanced floating dock in Cuba and the Caribbean, which has improved the development level of the Cuban shipping industry, and increased economic and social benefits.
The two sides are actively cooperating in fields such as biotechnology and new energies. Photovoltaic power plants and biomass power plants invested by China have helped Cuba's energy security, economic development and improved the livelihoods of its people.
Domestic solar photovoltaic power generation systems and LED lights, with China's help, have alleviated the electricity deficit among residents in remote areas of Cuba.
The two nations share both joys and adversities. Whether in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, or against economic and social hardships, China has always provided assistance to Cuba, a testament to the deep friendship and mutual support between the two peoples.
This friendship continues to consolidate. Cultural and educational exchanges and cooperation between the two sides are enriching.
Chinese language courses have been officially introduced in Cuban universities and high schools. The "passion for the Chinese language" continues to gain momentum in Cuba. The two sides have organized special exhibitions such as Pure Colors-Chinese Porcelain Exhibition and Happy Chinese New Year 2024 at the National Museum of Decorative Arts in Havana.
Local and friendly organizations of the two countries have strengthened exchanges. The hearts of the Chinese and Cuban people are closer and their affection is deeper.
Looking ahead, China is willing to work with Cuba as companions of socialism, good partners for common development and good comrades in strategic coordination, promote the continuous new development of special friendly relations between the two parties and countries, and build together a community of shared future between the two nations.
*The author is the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China in Cuba.
(Courtesy: Granma)
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