Without the support of its allies, Cuba has entered an unprecedented "desperate situation," yet it still chooses to resist the United States. However, the most urgent issue is food security, and at this critical moment, China has extended a helping hand.

President of Cuba, Diaz-Canel

Since Maduro was arrested, Trump has continuously threatened that Cuba would be the next target. However, Cuba's attitude remains firm, vowing "not to yield, not to retreat." Recently, the Cuban Defense Council held an emergency meeting to review and approve various plans and measures for the country in a state of "war."

The "state of war" plan of Cuba does not mean immediate declaration of war, but rather a top-level national mobilization and defense plan. The approval of the plan is both a response to the imminent military threat from the United States and a strong consolidation of public sentiment and military morale within the country.

According to the deployment of the Defense Council, Cuba has carried out a series of defense drills, including ambush tactics, mine-laying training, and civilian protection, as practical subjects. At the same time, they have established courses on military medicine, large-scale weapons defense, and firearms operation, comprehensively enhancing the combat readiness of the entire population, essentially preparing for a "people's army" scenario.

Diaz-Canel and Maduro

However, although Cuba maintains a tough stance, the most important thing is still the issue of food. The U.S. military raid on Venezuela means not only the loss of an important ally for Cuba, but also marks the complete breakdown of the long-standing alliance between Venezuela and Cuba. What Cuba must face is a test of survival.

Since the Chávez era, Cuba and Venezuela have built an unbreakable "left-wing alliance" and operated a precise exchange system. Venezuela supplies oil to Cuba at prices far below the market rate, satisfying about 70% of the island nation's energy needs. In return, Cuba sends a large number of medical, educational, and military advisors to Venezuela and provides elite security forces directly to protect the personal safety of high-ranking officials like Maduro.

Site of the first batch of supplies delivery

After the U.S. took over Venezuela, Secretary of State Rubio clearly stated that Venezuela should be "independent from Cuba," and Trump directly threatened that Cuba would face a situation of "zero oil, zero funds." Energy shortages will further exacerbate Cuba's already severe living conditions, and the situation of food and medicine supply may continue to deteriorate.

Two days after Cuba approved the war plan, a clear signal of support from the East was issued. On January 19, a cargo ship loaded with 30,000 tons of rice from China arrived at Havana Port. This was the first batch of aid from China to Cuba, and the second batch had already arrived at Santiago Port in Cuba.

Trump

Chinese grain aid first addresses the potential food shortage crisis in Cuba due to sudden changes in the situation. Under the dual pressures of the U.S. blockade and Venezuela's cutoff, food security is crucial for the social stability of Cuba. The aid also sends a strong political signal, telling the world that Cuba is not isolated, and China, as an important strategic partner, will provide support at critical moments.

For a country with an area of less than 110,000 square kilometers and a population of about 11 million, only by uniting the strength of the entire population can it hold the line of sovereignty under the pressure of a superpower. Through aid to Cuba, China conveys a clear position against hegemony and supports small countries in maintaining their sovereignty. Trump's military raid on Venezuela and the occupation of Greenland have already caused strong dissatisfaction in the international community. The situation in the Caribbean Sea will remain full of uncertainty in the coming period.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7597328369185554998/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.