Premier Li's historic first trip to Cuba

By Sajjad Malik
0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, September 25, 2016
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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (1st L) and his wife Cheng Hong (2nd L) arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, the United States, Sept. 18, 2016. Premier Li Keqiang will attend the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

It is interesting to note that all Chinese presidents have visited Cuba at least once since 1993; however, not a single Chinese premier has done so until now.

When Premier Li Keqiang lands in Cuba later this month, therefore, he will be making history since the two countries established formal diplomatic relations in 1960.

The visit follows Li's trip to Canada, the first by a Chinese premier in 13 years. It seems he is creating some kind of record during these visits, which are part of his 11-day tour of the western hemisphere that started in New York for the annual UN General Assembly session.

Li's visit sets a new pattern for his successors. Especially, his visit to Cuba has historical importance, as it was the first country in Latin America to establish diplomatic ties with China. His visit, therefore, is crucial in possibly leading to marked changes in the overall relationship between the two countries.

There are two prominent aspects of Li's trip. First, there is visible political and diplomatic importance for the historical reasons mentioned above. Second, it has economic implications because the meetings and talks in Havana should provide a major boost to the trade and commercial links between the two countries.

Politically, China and Cuba are ideological twins as they follow the communist model of governance. Its original prominent features were the centralized planning and a political philosophy drawing breath from the teachings of Karl Marx and other leading Marxist thinkers, including Lenin and Mao Zedong.

The Cuban people are rightly proud of their own legendary communist leader, Fidel Castro. In old age, he is inactive politically after handing over power to his brother Raoul Castro, who is now president of the country. However, Fidel is still highly respected. It's certainly expected that Premier Li will meet Fidel Castro during his stay in Havana, and, indeed, it will be a high point of this trip.

Being followers of the same political ideology is not enough to keep any two nations close to each other. It is well known that economic interests are the main driving force behind the national relationships. Hence, Cuba and China need to forge deeper strategic economic ties. Certainly, the economic relations between the two countries are already moving on the right path; however, Li's visit can add a strong impetus to two-way trade by opening up new avenues of cooperation.

It is heartening to note that the trade between Havana and Beijing has been around US$2 billion in recent years. Yet, this is comparatively low when seen in the light of the longstanding political relationship. China can offer new investments to Cuba that needs to invigorate its economy with new allies after recent improvement of ties with the United States.

Mention of U.S. injects a note of caution for China and Cuba. Since Washington has re-established ties with Havana after decades of flawed policies in seeking to isolate the tiny island country, it is likely the Americans will want to claim the privilege of being the most important neighbor and an economic partner.

This could lead to some kind of competition with China due to strategic and economic rivalry between Washington and Beijing.

It is important for Cuba to avoid such friction. It can do so by giving fair and equal treatment to the two economic giants at the right level. The United States is important for Cuba due to historic linkages and close proximity; however, China can help balance the relations and protect economic and strategic interests of Cubans if the U.S. displays any unacceptable behavior due to past tendencies when it tried to stifle the economic well-being of Cuba.

The Cuban leaders can deftly handle the situation as they did in the past, and will maintain a robust relationship with both China and America. It is also possible that Cuba might become a land of win-win cooperation for everyone. Li's visit can lay the first brick for such a cooperative relationship.

Sajjad Malik is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SajjadMalik.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

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