Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun met with Cuban Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces Alvaro Lopez Miera in Beijing on Tuesday, pledging to deepen military cooperation between the two socialist nations. The high-level talks occurred during Lopez's visit for the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, a key platform for Asia-Pacific security dialogue.
Minister Dong emphasized the countries' relationship as "a model of solidarity between socialist states and developing nations," highlighting plans to implement leadership agreements through increased personnel exchanges and practical collaboration. The discussions aligned with China's four global initiatives – a framework for multilateral cooperation that Cuba explicitly endorsed.
"We will promote military relations to new heights and build a shared future community," Dong stated, underscoring commitments to technological and strategic coordination. Lopez reciprocated, praising China's global vision while vowing to strengthen Cuba's "special friendship" with Beijing through enhanced defense partnerships.
The meeting signals growing alignment between Havana and Beijing on regional security architecture, with both sides framing their cooperation as counterbalance to Western-led geopolitical frameworks. Analysts note the timing coincides with Cuba's economic reforms and China's expanding Latin American engagement.
