China has been there for Cuba in times of need -- Cuban expert

HAVANA - The Chinese government and people have been there for Cuba in times of need, a Cuban expert said Monday.

"Bilateral cooperation between China and Cuba has strengthened over the past few years," said Eduardo Regalado, senior researcher at the International Policy Research Center of Cuba.

The expert said that the historical, political and cultural bonds that unite the two countries have contributed to forge relations in the field of international cooperation.

"After the victory of the socialist Revolution in the Caribbean nation in 1959, China and Cuba started to develop a new model of mutual collaboration," he told Xinhua in an interview.

Regalado said that China has always supported Cuba in the construction of a prosperous and sustainable socialist system that suits the national conditions of the Caribbean country.

In addition, China stands by Cuba in the defense of sovereignty and in the fight against foreign interference in its internal affairs, he said.

"China and Cuba have supported each other during the COVID-19 pandemic, which serves as a role model for the international community," he said, adding that the Chinese government and social organizations have helped the Cuban people with donations of medical supplies.

"The cooperation is part of the core principles and values defended by socialism with Chinese characteristics and the Cuban revolution," said Regalado.

He added that the two governments have firmly spoken out against the US unilateral coercive measures and financial persecution over sovereign states.

"China sees the world as a community with a shared future, promoting the participation of nations, particularly that of developing countries, and seeking a better future for humanity," said Regalado.