The Chinese government reaffirmed its support for Cuba on Monday and stated that it will continue to assist Havana in defending its sovereignty against what Beijing labels as "external interference," at a time when the Cuban regime is facing a deep economic crisis and significant pressure from the United States.
«No matter how the international landscape evolves, China will firmly support Cuba in exploring a path of socialist development adapted to its national conditions,» stated Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a press conference in Beijing.
The spokesperson added that his country will also support Cuba "in safeguarding national sovereignty and in opposing external interference."
Guo remembered that this year marks the 66th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cuba and emphasized the so-called "community of shared future" that both governments have promoted under the leadership of Xi Jinping and Miguel Díaz-Canel.
The statement reinforces a position that Beijing has reiterated on several occasions over the past few months. In August, in response to new sanctions from Washington related, among other issues, to Cuba's military cooperation with China and Russia, and defended that the cooperation between the two countries was legitimate.
Chinese support has also extended beyond the diplomatic arena. In January, Xi Jinping approved emergency aid for the island that included 80 million dollars and 60,000 tons of rice, amidst the energy and food crisis the country is facing.
Cooperation has also extended to the electric sector. In August, China delivered a second batch of 5,000 photovoltaic systems to Cuba intended for rural homes and service centers, as part of the projects promoted by both governments to address the deterioration of the Cuban electro-energy system.
The growing reliance on that assistance contrasts with the statements made in July by Díaz-Canel, when he acknowledged that Cuba had depended for decades on allies such as the Soviet Union, China, and Venezuela, and asserted that the time had come to move forward "with our own effort" and "not be dependent on anyone."
China, however, has made it clear that it intends to maintain its political and economic support for Havana. In February, Foreign Minister Wang Yi had already promised to continue providing assistance to Cuba "within its capabilities," while also rejecting any foreign "interference" on the island.
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