China Surpasses Russia as Cuba's Leading Economic Benefactor

Cuba is facing its worst economic crisis in decades, marked by severe shortages of food, fuel, and medicine, frequent blackouts, and a collapse in tourism and exports, exacerbated by tightened U.S. sanctions under President Trump's administration. While Russia was historically Cuba's primary economic partner, many of its recent projects have stalled or failed to materialize, including a $100 million investment to revive a major steel plant and revitalization efforts for a large sugar mill. In contrast, China has emerged as Cuba's leading benefactor, investing heavily in infrastructure projects through the Belt and Road Initiative, including funding 55 new solar parks in 2025 that will add up to 2,000 megawatts to Cuba's power grid and help alleviate blackouts. Chinese support extends beyond energy to biotechnology, medicine, logistics, ports, and telecommunications, positioning China as a strategic and reliable partner amid Cuba's dire conditions. Experts note that China's increased involvement could be a lifeline for Cuba, especially as Russia's ability and willingness to assist have diminished due to its war in Ukraine and financial concerns. The shift in economic support underscores a significant realignment of influence in Cuba, with China quietly supplanting Russia as the island's main benefactor.