Amid increasing international concerns about the potential presence of Chinese espionage bases in Cuba, the ruling Miguel Díaz-Canel and his predecessor, the dictator General Raúl Castro, received General He Weidong, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China, at the so-called Palace of the Revolution.
The meeting takes place against a backdrop of strained relations between the United States and Cuba, exacerbated by recent reports detailing the alleged expansion of Chinese military facilities on the island.
During the meeting, Díaz-Canel emphasized the "tremendous significance" of the visit, highlighting the strength of the bilateral ties rooted in the historical legacy of leaders like Fidel Castro and Mao Zedong. He also stated that the relations between both countries and their Armed Forces are an "important bulwark in the construction of socialism."
"For us, this visit holds great significance. It is a visit that expresses the continuity of relations, which we believe are at an excellent level between our Communist parties, our governments, our peoples, and our military institutions," Díaz-Canel stated to Weidong in comments reported by the Cuban Television News (NTV).
Emphasizing the special nature of military cooperation between both communist regimes, the leader expressed his desire for "these relations to strengthen" and regarded the high-level visit from the People’s Liberation Army of China as an "honor."
Furthermore, the leader appointed by Raúl Castro expressed gratitude for China's support in light of the complex economic situation facing Cuba, which he attributed to the U.S. embargo and the inclusion of the island on the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
"We must express our gratitude that in such difficult times as these, we are continuously receiving gestures and expressions of support and solidarity from the Chinese government and the Communist Party of China," said Díaz-Canel to the visitor.
"We know that the assistance we are receiving from China is extraordinary and special. As part of that support, and in the spirit of strengthening our cooperation and working for the mutual benefit of our nations, we are also reinforcing the relationships for the defense of our countries, our nations, and the relations between our Armed Forces," he added.
For his part, General Colonel He Weidong emphasized the agreements reached between Díaz-Canel and Chinese President Xi Jinping during previous meetings, committing to further strengthen military and political ties. "I feel at home," the high-ranking Chinese military official expressed, thanking for the warm welcome in Havana.
"In 2023, you met twice with President Xi Jinping and reached important agreements to work together in building a shared future community between China and Cuba, elevating the special friendly relations between our two parties and countries to a new level. You also mentioned that between China and Cuba, our parties, governments, peoples, and Armed Forces have enjoyed very good relations," Weidong stated.
A statement from the Chinese Ministry of Defense addressed the visit, emphasizing that "China highly values Cuba's steadfast support on issues involving its fundamental interests and will continue to firmly support Cuba in safeguarding its sovereign independence and national dignity, as well as in its resolute opposition to external interference in internal affairs."
"General He Weidong also made it clear that China is willing to share its successful experience in modernization with Cuba, continue providing assistance to Cuba within its capacity, support the development of the Cuban military, and work together to build a China-Cuba community with a shared future," the statement added.
According to Martí Noticias, the Chinese Ministry of Defense also stated that "regardless of how the international situation changes, the two parties will firmly support each other on issues concerning their fundamental interests, further enhance cooperation in visits and mutual communication, personnel training, and other areas, and elevate military relations to a new level to inject new momentum into the construction of a China-Cuba community with a shared future."
Context of the Visit by High-ranking Chinese Military Officials to Cuba
The visit takes place just a few days after the United States reiterated its concern about the presence of Chinese intelligence facilities in Cuba, which could pose a threat to regional security.
Reports with previously published satellite images showed supposed expansions of military bases on the Island, allegations that the Cuban regime has categorically denied, labeling them as part of a disinformation campaign aimed at justifying hostile actions by the United States.
Last July, satellite images revealed what Western analysts interpreted as the expansion of Chinese bases on Cuban territory, triggering alarmed reactions in Washington.
The United States government intensified its surveillance over the Island, indicating that any foreign military presence would be considered a direct threat to its national security. Meanwhile, the Cuban government maintained a firm and even mocking denial, insisting that such accusations are unfounded and driven by geopolitical interests.
The recent meeting in Havana included high-ranking Cuban military officials such as the Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, Army Corps General Álvaro López Miera, and Army Corps General Roberto Legrá Sotolongo, Chief of the General Staff. From the Chinese side, the Chinese ambassador to Cuba, Hua Xin, and a large military delegation were present.
In geopolitical terms, the visit of the high-ranking Chinese military official reinforces the strategic positioning of Cuba and China in the Caribbean, challenging the hegemony of the United States in its traditional sphere of influence. The strengthening of military and political ties between the two countries could have significant implications for the balance of power in the region.
With both countries committed to strengthening their cooperation on multiple fronts, the development of these ties will continue to be a focal point in the international landscape, marking a new phase in the strategic relationship between Havana and Beijing.
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