New Dynamics of Sino-Cuban Relations

• In Event: Debating Latin America-China Interactions (Part II)

Abstract

As the first country of the Western Hemisphere to establish diplomatic ties with China, Cuba was treated as one of China’s most important traditional partners in the region. However, current Sino-Cuban relations are going beyond historical political solidarity by prioritizing economic cooperation and common development. The new dynamics of the relationship, including Cuba’s role in establishing the China-CELAC forum, reflect not only China’s enhanced engagement with the region but also Cuba’s deepening domestic reform process. The latter process has generated significant interest from foreign investors, particularly from China and Brazil. The current US-Cuba rapprochement bears relevance to China, which is now assessing how to reposition itself to build enduring economic and political ties with the island.

Author

• Haibin Niu, Shanghai Institutes for International Studies