On Monday, Miguel Díaz-Canel welcomed Vietnamese Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung, a prominent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam, to Havana. The visit, representing the secretary general To Lam, sparked a wave of backlash on social media from Cubans weary of their government's alliances with similar regimes while the nation languishes in poverty.
Díaz-Canel shared an image on X, showcasing the meeting with the Vietnamese diplomat and his delegation.
"I had the privilege of hosting Comrade Le Hoai Trung, a special envoy, member of the Political Bureau of the CPV, and Vietnam's foreign minister. We emphasized the longstanding and strong ties binding both parties, governments, and peoples. I expressed gratitude for the unwavering solidarity shown by our Vietnamese brothers," he stated in his post.
The public's reaction was swift and scathing.
"What does Vietnam offer to Cuba? How do they assist us? What benefit do these historical ties provide to the Cuban people? For years, we've aligned with nations that contribute nothing to our country," a user commented, capturing the essence of numerous remarks.
Another user didn't hold back: "You're a real joke. Sixty-seven years of ties with countries, and Cuba's deepening into misery."
"Cuba despises you all. You're here by force, leave already, you bunch of shameless murderers," demanded a Cuban political dissident.
A Venezuelan critic joined the discussion: "When will they remove this criminal from Cuba? People are suffering without electricity, water, or food under a murderous dictatorship."
Comments highlighted a contradiction the regime chooses to overlook: Le Hoai Trung himself met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on February 19, 2026, to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the United States.
"He's the same one who met with Marco Rubio this year in Washington. Nobody will save you," noted a user with evident irony.
"Today Trung, tomorrow Trump, but you'll find out when the Navy Seals are staring you in the face. What a mess. PS: Trump says stick Cayo Santa Maria where the sun doesn't shine; his hotels stand in free territories, not in dictatorships," remarked another.
Several users highlighted the Castro regime's routine of begging internationally.
"Surely you asked for a pile of donations and freebies," one pointed out.
"You all are like cheap prostitutes, willing to do anything to retain power, even if it means selling out to the highest bidder," criticized another user.
Between 2018 and 2024, Vietnam donated 67,940 tons of rice to Cuba, and in 2025, they raised and donated $23.3 million to the regime through a solidarity campaign.
"Rice donation for the fat cats," summarized a commentator sarcastically, while another concluded: "You're the most shameless in the world. Don't you understand it's time to go, or must we forcefully remove you?"
During Le Hoai Trung's visit to Cuba, he also met with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, toured the joint Cuba-Vietnam rice project in Los Palacios, Pinar del Río, inspected the Mariel Special Development Zone where Vietnam ranks second in business presence, and visited ViMariel S.A., a Vietnamese-capital enterprise operating since 2019.
The visit coincides with Cuba facing its worst crisis in decades: blackouts exceeding 24 hours, an electricity generation deficit surpassing 2,113 megawatts in May, and 33.9% of Cuban households reporting hunger, according to the Food Monitor Program.
The irony most pointed out by Cubans is that Vietnam implemented the Doi Moi reforms in 1986, reducing state economic control from 90% to 40% and becoming a rice-exporting nation, while the Cuban regime clings to strict central planning with only 13% private sector involvement.
Understanding Cuba's Political and Economic Challenges
Why are Cubans upset about the Vietnamese diplomat's visit?
Cubans are frustrated with their government's alliances with regimes like Vietnam, which they feel do not contribute to improving the dire economic and social conditions on the island.
What is the significance of Vietnam's Doi Moi reforms in this context?
The Doi Moi reforms transformed Vietnam into a more market-oriented economy, reducing state control and boosting private sector participation, which contrasts starkly with Cuba's rigid economic policies.
How has Vietnam supported Cuba in recent years?
Vietnam has donated substantial amounts of rice and financial aid to Cuba, totaling 67,940 tons of rice and $23.3 million in 2025 through solidarity campaigns.