China and Cuba have enjoyed a friendly relationship for decades. The older Chinese generation still remember the once-popular song "Beautiful Havana", and the well-loved Cuban candies from 40 years ago.

Fidel Castro himself claimed to be a fan of China's then-chairman Mao Zedong, and had applied Mao's military tactics during the Cuban Revolution. Castro often expressed regret for not being able to see Mao in person.

"Castro told me Chairman Mao Zedong's military theory helped him a lot in leading the guerilla warfare. He thought Mao Zedong's spirit was great, and it had a huge influence on the Cuban revolution," said Xu Yicong, Former Chinese Ambassador to Cuba.

"Both China and Cuba hope to use our good political ties to develop economic cooperation, and push our mutually beneficial relationship to a new level," said Zhang Tuo, Chinese Ambassador to Cuba.