“China is a leader in South-South cooperation.Cuba is proud to support and implement the four major global initiatives proposed by China, and looks forward to more cooperation with China under the framework of high-quality joint construction of the "Belt and Road".” Eduardo Regalado, an expert on China issues at the Cuban Center for International Political Studies, said in a recent interview with this reporter that China's rapid development in economic, financial and other fields complements Cuba's unique advantages in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.The mutually beneficial cooperation between the two parties will produce strong synergistic effects and jointly promote the development of health care in countries in the global South.
On January 1, 2025, Cuba officially became a BRICS partner."Joining the BRICS cooperation mechanism is a huge opportunity for Cuba. It will not only help promote Cuba's economic development, but also help Cuba deepen collaboration with other countries in the Global South."Regalado said that Cuba becoming a BRICS partner is not only of great significance to itself, but also provides new opportunities for BRICS countries to expand cooperation with Latin America and the Caribbean.
Regalado said that the BRICS countries account for nearly half of the world's population and about 30% of the world's total economic output. Their cooperation emphasizes equality, mutual benefit and independent development.“Many Latin American countries are seeking new paths for international cooperation to promote economic growth and improve people's livelihood.Cuba's participation will further strengthen the role of the BRICS cooperation mechanism as a platform for solidarity and collaboration in the global South.”
Regalado said: "China is a booming economy and has made great achievements in infrastructure, renewable energy, digital technology and other fields."Cuba can use the BRICS platform to further deepen practical cooperation with China.”
Regalado believes that the New Development Bank provides member countries with options that are different from traditional financial institutions - without political conditions attached, focusing on infrastructure and green projects."Cuba can use this mechanism to promote development projects that meet its needs with China and other partners."”He said that Cuba’s export products, especially high value-added biopharmaceutical products, will have more opportunities to enter other emerging markets.
Regalado emphasized that BRICS countries continue to promote the reform of the global governance system and help increase the representation and voice of developing countries.This is highly consistent with Cuba's consistent position of advocating multilateralism, peace and development cooperation.More Latin American countries joining the BRICS family will help continue to promote the development of the global governance system in a more just and reasonable direction.
“The cooperation between China and Cuba within the BRICS framework is not just an extension of bilateral relations."Regalado said, "This kind of cooperation will provide new development options for countries in the global South and is a strong impetus for building a secure and prosperous multipolar world.”