China Announces $80 Million Aid and Rice Donation to Cuba

Apr 7, 2026 at 04:24 PM

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Lanka Leader

China will provide Cuba with $80 million in emergency financial assistance and 60,000 tons of rice, Chinese Ambassador to Havana Hua Xin announced on Tuesday.

The aid package includes funding for electrical equipment and other urgent needs, as Cuba continues to face economic challenges. Hua said the decision was made under direct instructions from Xi Jinping, who also serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China.

The announcement came during a meeting at the Palace of the Revolution with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez. Also present were Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla and senior foreign affairs official Carlos Miguel Pereira.

Hua stated that the assistance is aimed at supporting Cuba’s economy and addressing ongoing issues in the national power system, which he linked to external pressures. He added that recent discussions with Cuban officials, including ministers responsible for foreign trade and energy, helped determine priority areas for cooperation.

In addition to immediate aid, China announced adjustments to existing energy cooperation projects. These include revised plans for a 200-megawatt solar energy donation and the delivery of 5,000 photovoltaic solar panel systems for remote households.

President Díaz-Canel expressed gratitude for China’s continued support, highlighting strong bilateral relations and ongoing collaboration, including progress in a digital transformation program backed by China.

The Cuban leader also acknowledged the efforts of Ambassador Hua, noting the recent arrival of an earlier rice shipment as part of ongoing assistance.