Cuba and China, united by history

Ever since the first Chinese immigrants arrived in Cuba 170 years ago, the process of cultural exchange has never stopped.

Eight years ago, when Tao Hulei came to Havana to study medicine, he never imagined that he would end up starting a family and working in Cuba.

“When I arrived, I knew nothing of the country. Slowly, I discovered the people, who are very kind with foreigners, especially the Chinese,” said Tao in perfect Spanish while taking care of his 4-month-old daughter, after he married a Cuban woman, Elizabeth Gonzalez.

Now, the Chinese doctor works in a Havana hospital and says he has adopted to the warm climate and diverse culture.

Gonzalez, who studies Chinese in the Confucius Institute, says that they “are very happy” and have overcome their differences.

“At home, we only speak Spanish. He helps me to learn Chinese but only for homework,” she says, laughing.

Tao and Gonzalez are the latest links in a chain stretching back to June 1847, when the first 200 laborers arrived in Havana, with many settling down to start families.

Since their arrival, Chinese immigrants and their descendants have left a profound mark on Cuban history, including fighting against Spanish colonialism and following the revolution of Fidel Castro.

“There was no Chinese-Cuban deserter. There was no ChineseCuban traitor,” reads a monument in Havana, quoting Gonzalo de Quesada (1868-1915), a lawyer and close friend of Cuba’s national hero, Jose Marti.

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