In a straight line, more than 12,700 kilometers separate Havana from Beijing. In terms of time, half a day separates the people living in the capitals of Cuba and China. However, history and the present show how these distances and differences can be shortened. Beyond latitudes and longitudes, in Cuba there is a trace of Chinese culture that was born centuries ago, and that extends and diversifies until today.
That capacity to create closeness was strengthened in 2024, when the Cuban-Chinese work in society, economy and development has been especially relevant.
Beyond the intention of summarizing, which is sometimes implicit in the conclusion of each period, we propose a journey through transcendental aspects that were possible thanks to wills and concrete facts.
A YEAR OF GREATER EXCHANGES
The intensification of high-level exchanges has made it possible to strengthen ties and adopt new agreements.
In Havana, the highest Cuban authorities received Colonel General He Weidong, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission; Commissar General Wang Xiaohong, State Councilor and Minister of Public Security; Li Shulei, member of the Political Bureau, the Secretariat of the Central Committee and head of the CPC Propaganda Department; and Luo Zhaohui, president of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (Cidca), among other visitors.
All the meetings reinforced the continuity in relations, which have been described by Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and President of the Republic, "at an excellent level between our communist parties, our governments, our peoples and our military institutions." As an example of the links between both Parties, the 6th Theoretical Seminar was held in Cuba, which favored the consolidation of these events as opportunities to analyze issues of common interest.
MORE COOPERATION FOR DEVELOPMENT
The energy transition is one of the national priorities on the island, with a high impact on the life of the population and the development of the economy; a project with the leading role of the Asian nation. The activities included the donation of three photovoltaic solar parks, and the shipment of the first components of a large investment for the construction of 92 parks of more than 21 megawatts of power each; as well as the donation of parts and accessories for generators, as part of the Project of Equipment and Spare Parts for Distributed Electric Generators for Cuba.
The 13th Meeting of the Joint Commission for Cooperation in Science and Technology between both governments, one of the key sectorial moments, was held in Havana. On the occasion, it was agreed to increase scientific and technical cooperation in molecular immunology and neurosciences, as well as the creation of joint capacities for emergency response in the health sector.
A milestone in our country's biotechnology was founded on Chinese soil: the company BioBridge Medical Technology, belonging to BioCubaFarma and 100% Cuban capital, which makes possible the emergence of a new model in which innovative projects will be inserted, according to the criteria of the sector's executives.
The cooperation had other milestones, among them, the approval of a comprehensive aid from the Asian country, with the donation of more than 20,000 tons of rice, as well as financial assistance.
The Cuban Embassy in China highlighted, in its annual summary, the revitalization of exchange in all areas: economic, commercial, technical scientific, tourism, educational, legal, academic and cultural.
MULTIPLE WAYS TO REDUCE DISTANCES
When the Air China plane landed on Cuban soil on May 17 at José Martí International Airport, it was not only reopening an air bridge, but the joint work to strengthen, rather than distance, closeness. This is not an isolated action, it is the result of the strengthening of the historical relations that have been developing between our Parties and Governments," said Manuel Marrero Cruz, member of the Political Bureau, Cuban Prime Minister.
The exemption of visas for Chinese citizens with ordinary passports traveling as tourists to Cuba and the declaration of the Asian country as guest of honor at FitCuba 2025 are part of the rapprochement route.
Near the end of the year, the Chinese ambassador to Cuba, Hua Xin, announced the exemption of visa fees for Cuban citizens. In January, he shared the news of a more than 50% increase in tourism from his country.
In 2025, Cuba and China will celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, reaffirming that they are good comrades, friends and brothers.
"Even the shortest journey cannot be completed without taking the first step. Even the most trivial task cannot be completed without taking action." This phrase by philosopher Xun Zi was quoted by Xi Jinping in one of his speeches.
The journey between Cuba and China is not a short one in geographical terms; but the closeness today is greater thanks to the steps taken on the road to the community of shared destiny, which overcomes any distance.
STOPOVERS ON THE ROAD TO 2025
New milestones in Cuba-China relations will take place during 2025. They signify the continuity of the agreements reached and, in all cases, will contribute to the strengthening of relations between the two countries, for the benefit of both peoples. We highlight four of them, due to their transcendence, scope and capacity to generate future ties.
In 2025, both countries celebrate 65 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. On September 2, 1960, Cuba became the first country in the Western Hemisphere to establish diplomatic relations with China, at the beginning of a path of dialogue that has led to the creation and strengthening of ties.
At the closing of the last Tourism Fair, China was announced as the guest of honor at the 43rd edition of this event, which will take place in Havana from May 1 to 5, 2025. National and Chinese authorities expressed their willingness to work together to ensure the success of the upcoming event.
To achieve the change of its energy matrix, Cuba counts on the support of China, described as fundamental by executives of that sector. With the Asian nation's collaboration, dozens of solar parks will be put into operation by 2025, and other renewable energy projects will be developed in strategic areas.
The strengthening of cooperation and trade links is one of the perspectives in Cuban-Chinese relations for 2025, based on existing agreements in biotechnology, education, culture and sports, as well as commercial exchange in different areas.
OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE COMMUNIST
PARTY OF CUBA CENTRAL COMMITTEE
