Between Alliances and Challenges: The Complexity of Chinese-Cuban Relations

The diplomatic relations between China and Cuba are characterized by an ambivalent nature. While China regards Cuba as a "good brother, good comrade, good friend," the economic cooperation between the two countries has clearly weakened. Their political closeness is contrasted by an economic downturn. Chinese imports to Cuba have decreased from $1.7 billion in 2017 to $1.1 billion in 2022, despite the overall increase in Chinese trade with Latin America. Cuban economist Omar Everleny describes China's investments in Cuba as "ridiculously small," especially compared to the approximately $160 billion that Beijing invested in Latin America and the Caribbean between 2005 and 2020. Numerous major Chinese corporations, such as Huawei and Yutong, are struggling with significant payment delays from the Cuban state, which are attributed to the island's economic challenges. The situation is exacerbated by stringent U.S. sanctions, which further burden Cuba's already struggling economy. Although Cuba has been a member of China's "Belt and Road" initiative since 2018, and Beijing publicly supports Havana's economic development authority, comprehensive strategic alliances are lacking in practice. Unlike with other Latin American countries, China has not established a "comprehensive strategic partnership" with Cuba. These economic tensions stand in stark contrast to the culture and daily life in Cuba, where Chinese brands are deeply rooted. "Yutong" is commonly used in Havana's vernacular to refer to buses, and Haier refrigerators, once imported as part of Fidel Castro's "Energy Revolution," are widely known as "Drippys." A silver lining on the horizon is the isolated cooperation between the two nations in the biotechnology and medical sectors. However, more extensive economic breakthroughs have yet to materialize. Although reports suggest the possibility of China using Cuba as a base for electronic surveillance stations, the Biden Administration is attempting to ease such geopolitical tensions through diplomatic efforts. In conclusion, despite political rhetoric and economic challenges, the relations between China and Cuba appear to be marked by friendly distance, without culminating in a genuine strategic alliance.