China and Cuba have had a fraternal relationship for almost 60 years. How would you describe the friendship between these two socialist countries? Ramírez:
Relations between the two countries were established in 1960, in the midst of the Cold War. It was an act of political will to recognize the People’s Republic of China which had arisen in 1949. Since then, relations have strengthened in all political and economic spheres based on the fact that the two countries pursue socialism with their own characteristics directed by communist parties.
This relationship also has a profound historical base. It goes back over 170 years when Chinese workers started arriving in Cuba, totaling around 150,000. In Havana there is an obelisk dedicated to those that fought in our independence struggles that says there were no Chinese-Cuban traitors or deserters.
Cuban culture and identity is a great stew filled with many influences, and Chinese immigrants have contributed their own unique cultural component. For example, the Carnival of Santiago de Cuba can only begin after the Chinese trumpet is played while Chinese dishes have been incorporated into our culinary diet.
China is something that is inside of us; our relations are not only external, we see China as part of Cuba too. There is a long involvement between the two countries that we continue to cultivate and develop in a systematic way that has many prospects for the future. Cuba has actually been a part of the Maritime Silk Road for over 300 years. Starting in the 16th century, Chinese ships traveled from Fujian to the Philippines with goods that then headed toward Mexico. After traveling through Mexico by mule, the merchandise was shipped from Yucatan to Cuba, and finally to Spain. That was the first Maritime Silk Road in Latin America.
Today, Cuba is very interested in the Belt and Road Initiative. In January of this year, the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum was held in Chile,