China Begins to Rescue Cuba from Food Crisis

Beijing is increasing support for Cuba amid a severe food crisis and energy supply disruptions. The cargo ship Sunny Hong has arrived in the port of Havana with 15,000 tons of rice, which is expected to help cover the shortage of one of the main products in the Cuban diet.

Beijing has started actively rescuing Havana from a food crisis. A government delegation welcomed the cargo ship Sunny Hong at the port of Cuba's capital, which delivered 15,000 tons of rice to the island.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel called this step positive. He wrote on his social media that it is a noble gesture of solidarity. Beijing plans to continue and wants to send an additional 60,000 tons of grain.

Cuba's Minister of Internal Trade Betsy Díaz Velázquez confirmed the critical need for grain. The products will be immediately distributed across all provinces of the country. Rice is a staple in the Cuban diet, and its shortage has become too noticeable.

Assistance from Other Countries

China is not the only one sending shipments to the Caribbean country. A week ago, a ship from Mexico arrived in Havana, and Cuban officials reported receiving more than 3,125 tons of aid.

The Mexican package included: food, medicines, personal hygiene products, and solar panels for energy supply.

Religious organizations are also showing activity. The Christian charitable community Sant'Egidio International sent a container from Genoa. The value of the medical cargo is approximately $815,000. In mid-May, wheelchairs and medications were brought to the island.

The organization plans a new shipment in June. Cubans are expecting oil, vegetables, and sugar; however, critics of the regime doubt the fairness of the distribution. They claim that ordinary citizens rarely see this aid in full.

Situation in Cuba

Cuba is experiencing a severe economic crisis, accompanied by shortages of food, fuel, and widespread power outages. The country's authorities link the situation to American sanctions and restrictions on oil supplies. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to demand political reforms on the island.

At the same time, Cuban authorities are not willing to concede without resistance. It was previously reported that Cuba acquired drones to enhance its defense capabilities amid tensions in relations with the U.S.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as an ethnic Cuban, is trying to act with a "carrot" approach. He offers the people of Cuba $100 million in humanitarian aid and full decommunization.

Against the backdrop of the worsening economic situation, Cuba is increasingly dependent on international humanitarian aid and support from allies, reports bb.lv. China is gradually becoming one of Havana's key partners, strengthening its influence in the region, while the confrontation between Cuba and the U.S. continues to be an important factor of instability around the island.