BEIJING — The rigorous 65-year-long sanctions that the U.S. government has imposed on the Cuban populace and their socialist revolution have come under fire at the 10th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of Solidarity with Cuba, which convened in the Chinese capital on October 29-30. This conference unfolded against the backdrop of the United Nations General Assembly, which overwhelmingly adopted a resolution advocating for the termination of Washington’s stringent economic, financial, and commercial embargo on the island nation. Just a week prior to the conference, Cuba experienced a catastrophic failure of its entire electrical grid that lasted several days, underscoring the devastating consequences of this decades-long economic warfare.
Opening the conference, Fernando González, the president of the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), expressed heartfelt thanks to delegates for their unwavering actions in solidarity with Cuba. He emphasized the deep-rooted historic connections between China and Cuba, tracing back 177 years to the arrival of Chinese immigrants on the island. Notably, Cuba was also the first Latin American nation to establish diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China, and today, China stands as Cuba’s foremost export market, significantly influencing their economic relationship.
Sun Yi, the deputy director of the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, elaborated at the conference that the Cuban government has projected the blockade’s cost for the fiscal year ending in February to exceed $5 billion. He categorically condemned the U.S. decision to place Cuba on its list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, emphasizing, “These measures have profound consequences for the people and affect all sectors, including the most sensitive ones, such as health, food, and energy.”
The Asia-Pacific conference was hosted in China for the first time, coinciding with celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. The association’s vice president, Yuan Mindao, addressed the gathering, urging the U.S. government to lift the blockade on Cuba and remove it from its terrorism list to foster better relations.
Approximately 70 delegates from 16 countries and 36 organizations across the Asia-Pacific region participated in the event. They were joined by the Cuban ambassador to China, Alberto Jesús Blanco Silva, and the delegation from Cuba, which included Alicia Corredera, director of ICAP’s Asia-Pacific division, and Mailin Sánchez from the tourism organization Amistur Cuba.
Cuba solidarity with world’s peoples
Many delegates expressed their gratitude for the generous acts of solidarity provided by the Cuban Revolution to the peoples of their respective nations. These acts of goodwill included vital assistance with vaccines and medicines in Cambodia, the implementation of a literacy program for Indigenous Australians, and relief efforts after the devastating earthquake in Nepal in 2015, showcasing Cuba’s commitment to global cooperation and humanitarian aid.
Robert Corpuz, a delegate from the Philippines, shared poignant reflections on his experiences studying at the Latin American School of Medicine in Cuba, where thousands of students from Asia and the Pacific have been afforded the opportunity to receive free medical training. “In doing so, we also experienced the hardships of the Cuban people,” he remarked, “but the Cuban people and government never wavered in their commitment to us, the foreign students, and shared with us what was possible.”
Dong Huy Cuong, vice president of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, spoke passionately about the historical bonds between Vietnam and Cuba, citing their shared experiences in opposing powerful adversaries. Cuba, he said, “inspired others to stand up for national independence. We will never forget Fidel Castro.” He recalled Castro’s unwavering support during Vietnam’s liberation war, where he pledged, “For Vietnam, Cuba is ready to shed its blood.”
Janet Roth from the Communist League in Sydney articulated examples of determined working-class resistance in Australia, emphasizing the struggles faced by construction workers, nurses, and railway workers. She stressed the vital need to learn from the Cuban Revolution and to actively defend it if progress is to be made within the working-class movement.
“The workers and peasants of Cuba demonstrated what working people can accomplish with revolutionary leadership and a clear program. They illustrated what is necessary to end exploitation and oppression — for the working class to seize political power.”
Cuba gives inspiration
The largest delegation from outside of China was comprised of representatives from Japan. Matsutake Teruyo of the Japan-Cuba Friendship Association hailed the groundbreaking example established by the Cuban Revolution. “The victory of the revolution also showed the world that it is possible to overcome the tyranny of a great power with enormous military strength,” she noted, “and instilled courage in people all over the globe.”
“This is an economic war against Cuba that has endured for more than six decades,” González explained. This campaign began in 1960 under the John F. Kennedy administration, based on a confidential State Department memo. “The majority of Cubans support Castro,” the memo asserted, advocating for an economic war aimed at depriving Cuba of resources to foster hunger, desperation, and ultimately, the overthrow of the government.
“The U.S. intention was for the Cuban people to blame their government. This has not happened,” González stated. “In the last 10 years, it has been tightened in unprecedented ways. To label us as a country that supports terrorism denies Cuba the right to financial aid. We have been profoundly impacted but we will not surrender.”
González reiterated his appreciation for the political solidarity demonstrated toward the Cuban Revolution today, underlining that material aid is crucial, given the escalating toll of Washington’s sanctions. “Assisting a specific economic project at the local or city level in Cuba is another meaningful way to support us,” he said.
Mailin Sánchez delivered a compelling presentation promoting “socio-political tourism as a means of fostering solidarity among peoples,” advocating for the organization of solidarity brigades, conferences, and specialized tours to strengthen ties and support for Cuba.
Annalucia Vermunt from the Auckland Cuba Friendship Society highlighted the severe repercussions of Washington’s intensified enforcement of sanctions on Cuba’s tourism industry. Passport holders from New Zealand, Europe, and other regions are barred from utilizing the convenient ESTA visa waiver for U.S. entry if they have recently visited Cuba, further complicating travel and economic interactions.
Educating others about the authentic history of the Cuban Revolution is essential for expanding support for solidarity initiatives, she emphasized.
“The solidarity from different countries invigorates us to continue our fight,” González concluded at the conference. “Our victories belong to everyone.”
How do humanitarian efforts, such as Cuba’s medical training programs, reflect the principles of solidarity that underpin the Cuban Revolution?
**Interview with Fernando González, President of the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. González. The recent Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of Solidarity with Cuba in Beijing highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by U.S. sanctions. Can you elaborate on the impact these sanctions have had on everyday Cubans?
**González:** Thank you for having me. The U.S. sanctions, which have lasted for over 65 years, have profoundly affected our people. Economically, the blockade has led to severe shortages in vital areas like health, food, and energy. Recently, Cuba faced a catastrophic failure of our electrical grid, which significantly impacted daily life. We project the blockade’s economic cost this fiscal year to exceed $5 billion. This situation is dire and affects all sectors of society.
**Editor:** The United Nations General Assembly has recently advocated for the termination of the U.S. embargo. How do you view this international support for Cuba, and how does it resonate at events like this conference?
**González:** The resolution from the UN General Assembly reflects a growing global understanding of the implications of the blockade. Our conference here in Beijing shows that solidarity is not just rhetoric; it translates into real support from nations and organizations. The historical ties between China and Cuba are particularly poignant, reminding us that we are not alone in this fight. It is heartening to see so many delegates from diverse backgrounds standing in solidarity with us.
**Editor:** Sun Yi from China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has emphasized the blockade’s impact on health, food, and energy. What specific measures can Cuba and its allies take to counteract this economic warfare?
**González:** We must continue strengthening our international ties, fostering cooperation, and sharing resources. Events like this conference allow us to collaborate more closely with our international partners. Additionally, we rely on humanitarian aid and shared knowledge to mitigate the effects of the sanctions. It’s essential that we continue to advocate for the lifting of the blockade and for recognition from international institutions to help us recover and thrive.
**Editor:** Delegates have expressed gratitude for Cuba’s humanitarian efforts, such as medical training programs and vaccines. How do you see these initiatives reflecting the values of the Cuban Revolution?
**González:** Absolutely. Our commitment to global solidarity is a fundamental aspect of the Cuban Revolution. Despite the hardships we face, we believe in sharing what we can with those in need. The medical training programs have empowered thousands from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, showcasing our dedication to education and health care as universal rights. These acts of solidarity are not merely actions; they are an embodiment of our revolutionary spirit.
**Editor:** As you look to the future, what do you see as the greatest challenges and the most significant opportunities for Cuba on the global stage?
**González:** The greatest challenge remains the U.S. embargo, which poses continuous threats to our sovereignty. However, the opportunity lies in strengthening our ties with supportive nations and organizations worldwide. With the solidarity of the global community, we can advocate for our rights and push for an end to this unjust blockade. We will continue to share our vision of a more equitable world, inspired by the values of our revolution.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mr. González, for sharing your insights. Your commitment to Cuba and its global partnerships is truly inspiring.
**González:** Thank you for having me. Together, we can forge a path toward a better future for all.