China says “delighted” with US-Cuba detente

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) is awarded Cuba’s Jose Marti Medal by Cuban President Raul Castro in Havana, capital of Cuba, July 22, 2014 [Xinhua]

Beijing on Thursday said it is “delighted” with the historic deal between the US and Cuba to reopen embassies and restore diplomatic ties severed more than five decades ago.

“This is good news, and we are delighted with it. The restoration of diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Cuba is an important step on the path toward the normalization of relations,” said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying in Beijing.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry also reiterated its long-standing demand calling for ending a five-decade embargo imposed by the US against Cuba.

“We hope the two sides can develop normal relations in accordance with the purpose of the UN Charter and the fundamental principles of international law,” said Hua.

The United States and Cuba’s Communist government have agreed to formally reestablish diplomatic relations and reopen embassies, US President Barack Obama announced at the White House on Wednesday.

Obama also called on Congress to take steps to lift the embargo that prevents Americans from traveling or doing business in Cuba.

“The decision conforms to the common interests of the two countries and their people, is conducive to the stability and development of the American continent and is responsive to the long-term aspirations of international communities,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua said on Thursday.

Cuban television broadcasted the content of a letter from Cuban President Raul Castro to Obama, confirming the decision to restore diplomatic ties, which were broken off in 1961.

Obama and Castro met in Panama in April.

With the restoration of diplomatic relations, it will be essential for the US to lift the half-century trade embargo, among other measures, if it seeks to normalize ties with the Caribbean nation, Cuba said in the declaration on Wednesday.

US Secretary of State John Kerry has announced he would visit Havana later this summer to raise the US flag outside the US embassy. The Cuban side said this could be possible as early as July 20.

In July last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping signed 29 bilateral agreements with his Cuban counterpart, ranging from a credit line to modernize the port of Santiago de Cuba to cooperation in finance, agriculture, industry, health, biotechnology, oil, energy and environment.

The United States imposed the blockade against Cuba in 1962 when both countries severed diplomatic ties.

Cuba has supported BRICS’ calls for less US and European dominance of international affairs.

Participating in the 6^th BRICS Summit in Brazil, Cuban President Raul Castro hailed the launch of the new $100 billion BRICS Bank as contributing to “a new international order.”

Cuba is seeking more investment from China, its largest creditor till date.

TBP and Agencies