Lis Cuesta Peraza, often referred to as Cuba's "first lady," was conspicuously missing from the traditional gathering of foreign leaders' spouses held in Tianjin during the 2025 Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). This meeting was led by Peng Liyuan, the wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who welcomed the spouses of the heads of state and government attending the regional event.
According to the Xinhua News Agency, the itinerary featured a boat tour along the Haihe River, a historical and cultural emblem of the port city. Peng greeted each guest and posed for a group photo before embarking on the river journey, which was adorned with children's songs and waving flags as gestures of welcome. During the excursion, attendees savored Chinese tea, enjoyed a concert featuring the sanxian—a traditional three-stringed instrument—and learned about Tianjin's development as a hub for cultural exchange.
The gathering included the wives of leaders from Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, as well as the first ladies of Armenia, Egypt, Malaysia, and Nepal. Additionally, the daughter of Iran's President, Masoud Pezeshkian, participated in the event.
Cuesta Peraza's absence from this protocolary event was noticeable, especially since Cuba holds observer status in the SCO, and its leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel, attended the summit as a special guest. Her nonappearance at this female-centric event, typically a platform for diplomatic and cultural exchange, underscores the growing irrelevance of the Cuban regime in multilateral settings, as well as Havana's diminishing role amid its international allies.
While other attendees celebrated China's achievements and the richness of its traditions, the absence of the Cuban representative highlighted Havana's waning influence on the global stage. In such forums, the so-called leadership of Díaz-Canel and his "non-first lady" become fodder for allies weary of propping up an unsustainable status quo, which only remains appealing as it forces the Cuban regime to relinquish more sovereignty in exchange for its place among autocratic nations.
Moreover, social media criticisms point to the "glamour" of Cuesta Peraza, a Ministry of Culture official noted for her lack of taste and refinement at protocol events she neither is qualified for nor fulfills any role beyond that of a mere companion. This absence only serves to underscore the perception of her as a figurehead accompanying a puppet leader, whose strings are pulled by the true power brokers of the dictatorship.
The Role of Lis Cuesta Peraza in International Diplomacy
Why was Lis Cuesta Peraza's absence at the SCO summit significant?
Her absence was significant because Cuba is an observer state in the SCO, and her presence would have been expected alongside her husband, Miguel Díaz-Canel, at such a diplomatic event.
What is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)?
The SCO is a regional political, economic, and security organization in Asia. It aims to promote cooperation and strengthen mutual trust and neighborly relations among its member states.
How does the absence of Cuba's first lady affect its international standing?
The absence of Cuba's first lady at international events can be seen as a sign of the country's declining influence and relevance in multilateral diplomatic circles.