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Brief
History
1960
- China establishes diplomatic relations with Cuba; however,
there is no significant contact between the nations during
the Cold War.
1989
- Mutual visits between the Chinese and Cuban Foreign Ministers
begin, and bi-lateral relations develop extensively.
2004
- November - Chinese President Hu Jintao signs 16
agreements with Cuban leader Fidel Castro, and agrees to
invest in the island’s tourism, bio-technology and
mining sectors. China also agrees to a 10-year extension
for repayment of loans given to Cuba in the 1990s.
Tourism
- Discusses establishing a direct air route between the
two capitals, making Havana a gateway for Chinese tourists
touring South America. China is one of the most important
tourist source countries in the world, and Cuba is the
first nation in the Western Hemisphere to gain “Approved
Destination Status” (ADS) from the Chinese government.
Mining
sectors - Currently Cuba's chief export is nickel,
as Cuba has the third-largest nickel reserve in
the world. China has an increasing need for nickel due
to its growing manufactoring sector. Castro agreed to
allow Chinese investors to explore nickel in undisclosed
locations on the island, and reactivate a nickel plant
abandoned by the Soviets a decade ago. Cuba predicts efforts
will double their nickel output.
While
Cuba exports mainly nickel and sugar to China, China exports
mostly machinery and electronic products to Cuba. China
ranks as Cuba's 3rd largest trading partner after Venezuela
and Spain. The trade volume between the two nations increased
by 36% in 2004 alone.
2005
-
May - Senior Chinese Communist Party leader Jia Quiglin
visits Castro to discuss continued economic and political
ties.
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Chinese
President Hu Jintao (L) and Cuban President Fidel Castro
wave during their meeting at the Palace of the Revolution
in Havana, November 22, 2004. [Reuters]
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