China Celebrates Fidel Castro’s Legacy, Forging Stronger Bonds with Cuba
Beijing, August 13, 2025 – In a display of enduring solidarity, China today commemorated the 99th birthday of the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, with a tribute emphasizing his unwavering support for China’s sovereignty and a commitment to deepening cultural ties. The event, held at the Baraguá Hall of the Embassy of Cuba in China, underscored the strong relationship between the two nations and offered a glimpse into future collaborations.
A Legacy of Mutual Respect and Support
The commemoration featured prominent figures including Qiu Xiaoqi, Special Representative of the Chinese Government for the affairs of Latin America and the Caribbean, and Alberto Blanco, the Cuban Ambassador to China. Ambassador Blanco eloquently described Castro as “a leader of his time and all time,” highlighting his passion for sports, nature, and intellectual pursuits. He also emphasized Castro’s consistent advocacy for the “One China” principle and his condemnation of any interference in China’s internal affairs – a cornerstone of the enduring relationship.
“Fidel consistently supported the principle of ‘one China’,” Blanco stated, “condemning through his speeches and reflections the interference of internal affairs and attempts to injure the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the People’s Republic of China.” This historical alignment, rooted in mutual respect for national sovereignty, continues to shape the dynamic between Beijing and Havana.
Cartoons as a Bridge: Celebrating History Through Art
Adding a unique dimension to the tribute, Yue Zengmin, chief editor of the weekly graphic humor publication “Satire and Humor,” presented a reproduction of a 1963 cartoon commemorating the victory of the Cuban Revolution. Created by Ying Tao, the founder of the publication, the cartoon depicts Castro as “the revolutionary bearded who could not be intimidated, crushed or defeated.” This gesture highlights the power of art as a medium for fostering understanding and celebrating shared historical moments.
“Satire and Humor,” China’s oldest publication utilizing cartoons as its primary form of expression (founded in 1979), aims to leverage this artistic medium to further strengthen cultural exchanges. Yue expressed hope that cartoons will serve as a “bridge” to consolidate friendship between China and Cuba in the years to come. This initiative taps into a rich tradition of political cartooning, offering a lighthearted yet impactful way to convey complex political and social messages.
Cultural Exchange and a Shared Future
The event culminated in a moving performance by the Choir of Friends of Latin America, who interpreted “Cuba, how beautiful is Cuba,” a beloved song celebrating Cuban patriotism and sovereignty. This musical tribute underscored the deep cultural connection between the two nations.
The commemoration isn’t merely a nostalgic look at the past; it’s a strategic reaffirmation of a vital partnership. China’s growing economic and political influence in Latin America, coupled with Cuba’s strategic location and historical ties, makes this relationship increasingly significant. The focus on cultural exchange, particularly through art, suggests a long-term commitment to building a robust and multifaceted partnership.
As Ambassador Blanco concluded, referencing the Second Statement of Havana, Cuba “broke the chains that tied their fate to the oppressive empire, rescued their wealth, claimed its culture, and deployed its sovereign flag of territory and free people of America.” This sentiment resonates deeply with China’s own narrative of national rejuvenation and its commitment to a multipolar world order. The event in Beijing serves as a powerful symbol of shared values and a promising vision for a collaborative future between China and Cuba, a partnership poised to navigate the complexities of the 21st century with mutual respect and shared aspirations.
(Web editor: Zhao Jian, Zhou Yu)
