In a recent statement, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel highlighted China's economic transformation as a model for Cuba, asserting that the Asian giant's reform process serves as a "reference point" for the island's strategy during its current severe crisis.
During a meeting held at the Palace of the Revolution with Li Zongyuan, Director General of the Communist Party of China Museum, Díaz-Canel expressed that the changes driven by Beijing provide "significant insights" that could guide Cuba in overcoming the "difficult circumstances we endure as a result of the intensified blockade."
The Cuban president praised the "leadership" of Xi Jinping and expressed gratitude for the hospitality received during his visit to China, where he toured the Shenzhen Reform Museum. "The Chinese experience enlightens us about the foundations and ideology of the Reform, as well as the role of the Communist Party of China in its execution," he stated.
Participating in the meeting were Roberto Morales Ojeda, Secretary of Organization of the Central Committee, along with the heads of the Ideological and International Relations departments of the PCC, and China's ambassador to Havana, Huan Xin.
This meeting coincides with the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations and a period of intense political and economic collaboration. In recent months, the Cuban government has been negotiating with China to restructure its financial and business debts, culminating in the signing of eleven cooperation agreements covering sectors from agriculture and biotechnology to artificial intelligence and internal security.
The deepening ties with China have become one of the regime's key strategies to navigate the economic crisis, characterized by prolonged blackouts, inflation, and shortages. However, analysts caution that the Chinese model, which involves market openness while maintaining political control by the Party, may be challenging to replicate in Cuba given the internal restrictions and the exclusion of resident Cubans from business activities.
Recently, Díaz-Canel publicly compared Cuba to China and Vietnam, advocating for the single-party system as a "guarantee of stability and national sovereignty." During an event with Raúl Castro, he argued that "the prosperity of modern China is not magic, but the triumph of socialist ideals tailored to its characteristics," asserting that this model "disproves the critics."
Meanwhile, President Xi Jinping has described the bilateral relationship as "a model of solidarity among socialist countries" and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening political and economic cooperation with Havana.
Despite the official rhetoric, the strengthening of ties with Beijing highlights Cuba's increasing reliance on the Asian giant amidst international financial isolation and domestic deterioration. While the government seeks inspiration from Chinese reforms, millions of Cubans face daily power outages, understocked hospitals, and a devalued national currency, with no signs that the promised reforms will improve their financial situation.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges and Chinese Influence
Why is Cuba looking to China for economic reform inspiration?
Cuba is seeking inspiration from China's economic reforms because it views China's transformation as a potential model to address its severe economic crisis. The Cuban government believes that China's experiences offer valuable insights and a reference point for navigating its challenging circumstances.
What are the main obstacles to implementing the Chinese model in Cuba?
The main obstacles include internal restrictions and the exclusion of resident Cubans from participating in business activities. Additionally, replicating China's model, which combines market openness with strict political control by the Communist Party, poses a significant challenge given Cuba's current political and economic framework.
How has the relationship between Cuba and China evolved recently?
The relationship has strengthened through intense political and economic collaboration, with Cuba negotiating debt restructuring and signing multiple cooperation agreements with China. This partnership highlights Cuba's growing dependency on China amidst international isolation and domestic challenges.