China's Xi Pledges Support for Cuba on 'Core Interests'

At a meeting Friday that was further hailed as Beijing's return to face-to-face diplomacy, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Cuban counterpart vowed to assist one another over the "core interests" of their fellow communist republics.

Xi expressed China's desire to "strengthen coordination and cooperation in international and regional matters" with Cuba in remarks to Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez. According to a Chinese government press release, the two will "walk hand in hand down the road of constructing socialism with each having its own features."

China typically identifies its primary interests as the protection of its aspirations for political and economic development, together with sovereignty over the region it regards as its own, particularly independent Taiwan.

The news announcement from the Chinese government made no particular mention of any other nations or topics.

Xi, who is also the head of the nation's ruling Communist Party and has abolished term limits so he can hold office forever, met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Beijing earlier this month. He then travelled to Indonesia and Thailand to attend meetings of the Group of 20 leading economies and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

Next week, Charles Michel, president of the European Council, and Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, president of Mongolia, are scheduled to visit Beijing.

China and Cuba developed stronger connections after the Soviet Union fell apart, while China and Russia also did so gradually. These developments were essentially in contrast to the U.S.-led liberal democratic international order.

The visit "shows that we devote great importance and attention to the cordial and constructive relationship between Cuba and China," Diaz-Canel was quoted as saying in the Chinese news release.

Cuba "highly recognises" Xi's efforts, both practical and theoretical, and "we think this is a genuine encouragement to all progressive forces in the globe," he added.

China, the island nation's second-largest economic partner after Colombia, a major oil producer, has given Cuba buses, locomotives, and other equipment to help the island nation rebuild its ageing infrastructure. On a smaller basis, Chinese companies have also made investments in Cuban mineral exploitation.