On September 28, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel exchanged congratulatory messages to celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between their two countries.

Xi noted that 65 years ago, Cuba became the first Western Hemisphere country to establish diplomatic relations with New China, opening a new chapter in China-Cuba relations. Over the past 65 years, China-Cuba relations have continued to develop in depth, becoming a model of solidarity and cooperation between socialist countries and of sincere mutual assistance among developing countries. In recent years, he and the Cuban President have maintained close communication, elevating relations between the two parties and countries to new heights. Not long ago, during the Cuban President’s visit to China for the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, they met again and reached important consensus on building a closer China-Cuba community with a shared future.

Xi emphasized that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Cuba relations and is willing to work with the Cuban President to take the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations as a new starting point, carry forward traditional friendship, deepen high-level political mutual trust, systematically advance development cooperation, strengthen all-round strategic coordination, jointly uphold international fairness and justice, and continuously achieve new results in building a China-Cuba community with a shared future.

Díaz-Canel, together with Cuban revolutionary leader Raúl Castro, jointly sent a congratulatory message stating that over the past 60-plus years, Cuba-China relations have continued to develop and stand the test of time. The two sides enjoy deep political mutual trust, maintain close exchanges on socialist construction experience, and continuously consolidate traditional fraternal ties and friendly cooperative relations. Cuba firmly adheres to the One-China principle, opposes external interference in China’s internal affairs, and is committed to unswervingly promoting the construction of a Cuba-China community with a shared future while opposing hegemonism.

On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero also exchanged congratulatory messages. Li expressed his willingness to maintain close communication with the Cuban Prime Minister and take the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continuously translate high-level political mutual trust into practical cooperation outcomes, and enrich the content of the China-Cuba community with a shared future. Marrero stated his willingness to work effectively with the Chinese Premier to implement the consensus reached by the two countries’ top leaders and deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields of mutual interest.

New China

“New China” is a term that typically refers to the People’s Republic of China established in 1949 after the Communist Party, led by Mao Zedong, won the Chinese Civil War. It marks a significant break from the previous “Old China” dynastic systems, initiating a new era of socialist transformation and modernization under communist rule.

Western Hemisphere

The Western Hemisphere refers to the half of Earth comprising North, Central, and South America, along with their surrounding waters. Historically, it was home to advanced indigenous civilizations before widespread European exploration and colonization began at the end of the 15th century. This event, known as the Columbian Exchange, dramatically reshaped its societies, demographics, and global connections.

Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression

The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-1945) was a major theater of World War II, marking China’s struggle against the invasion of the Empire of Japan. Beginning with the Marco Polo Bridge Incident in 1937, the conflict involved both Nationalist and Communist forces in a united front against the occupiers. It resulted in immense Chinese casualties and is commemorated as a pivotal victory for national sovereignty and a significant contribution to the Allied victory in the Pacific.

World Anti-Fascist War

The term “World Anti-Fascist War” refers to the global conflict fought from 1939 to 1945, more commonly known as World War II. It was a worldwide military struggle between the Allied powers and the Axis powers, which sought to defeat the expansionist and aggressive ideologies of fascism and militarism. The war’s conclusion led to the establishment of the United Nations and a new international order aimed at preventing future global conflicts.

China-Cuba community with a shared future

The “China-Cuba community with a shared future” represents a modern diplomatic initiative strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. This partnership is built on a historical foundation of socialist solidarity and cooperation dating back to the 1960s. It aims to enhance collaboration in areas like trade, healthcare, and infrastructure for mutual development.

One-China principle

The One-China principle is a political and legal concept asserting there is only one sovereign state of China, with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as its sole legitimate government. It is a foundational policy for the PRC, which views Taiwan as an inalienable part of its territory. This principle is a prerequisite for any country seeking diplomatic relations with the PRC and is a central tenet of cross-strait relations.

socialist countries

“Socialist countries” refers to nations whose political and economic systems are based on the principles of socialism, often with a single-party state led by a communist party. This model was historically established in the 20th century, most prominently in the Soviet Union after the 1917 revolution, and later spread to Eastern Europe, Asia, and other regions during the Cold War. While some countries like China, Vietnam, and Cuba continue to be governed by communist parties, their economic systems and interpretations of socialism have evolved significantly over time.

developing countries

“Developing countries” is not a specific place or cultural site, but a broad economic classification for nations with lower industrialization and living standards. The term emerged in the 20th century, often replacing older classifications like “third world,” to describe nations working towards greater economic development and industrialization. These countries are characterized by diverse cultures and histories, often sharing challenges related to poverty, infrastructure, and access to education and healthcare.