The fourth and final shipment of rice, representing the largest donation made by China to Cuba in recent years, is scheduled to arrive in September. This information was disclosed by the social media channels of the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment (Mincex).
During the delivery ceremony at the port of Havana, the Beijing ambassador, Hua Xin, emphasized that this new shipment of rice conveys the message that China remains by Cuba's side. The diplomat declared the commitment to continue supporting Cuba and its people, who firmly resist external interference from the United States.
For his part, the Cuban Deputy Prime Minister, Oscar Pérez-Oliva, expressed deep gratitude for the arrival of this Asian rice donation. He stressed that the ties between Cuba and China are unbreakable. Pérez-Oliva, who is also responsible for Mincex, pointed out that China offers support to Cuba amidst the intensified blockade and energy squeeze imposed by the United States.
Recently, the Chinese embassy in the Cuban capital provided a second donation, consisting of five thousand photovoltaic systems, aimed at assisting with rural electrification. This occurs at a time when the island faces a serious energy crisis, aggravated since January due to an oil embargo decreed by the Washington government.
Chinese President Xi Jinping had approved comprehensive assistance to Cuba in January, which includes US$80 million (equivalent to 72.8 million euros) in financial aid and 60 thousand tons of rice. In 2024, China had already allocated US$100 million (about 91 million euros) to the Caribbean country.
The Cuban economy is undergoing a prolonged and severe crisis, showing an economic contraction of 15% over the last five years, according to official data. The island suffers from constant shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, coupled with chronic energy cuts and high inflation. Havana and Beijing maintain strong political and commercial ties, positioning the Asian nation as a fundamental ally of the island.
