Interview: China-Cuba relations at their "best", says Cuban expert

The upcoming official visit by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Cuba is hailed as the "best moment" of relations between China and Cuba since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1960.

Li's visit, the first such by a Chinese premier to the Caribbean state represents a "perfect opportunity" to upgrade economic and political ties, Rafael Hernandez, a professor of international relations at the University of Havana, told Xinhua.

"The Premier's trip to the island is part of the constant exchanges between the two nations. It will also allow the Chinese leadership to examine future joint projects and see how much China's experience has helped Cuba in updating its socialist model," said the renowned Cuban academic.

"China has reached a high level of economic growth over the last 30 years while Cuba has achieved great social development. The possibility of exchanging experiences in these areas offers a very special framework for their relations today and for future development," Hernandez said.

Relations between China and Cuba are at their "best moment" since the the two sides established diplomatic ties in 1960, he noted, saying "relations are well-balanced with good economic cooperation and solid diplomatic and political links."

"Cuba also seeks to learn from reforms that have taken place in China and its experiences of developing a productive economy," he added.

Since 2010, Cuba has undertaken a series of economic and social reforms. "The Cuban government has carefully studied Beijing's reforms over the years and has tried to learn what could be adapted to Cuba's conditions," he said.

Hernandez cited China's policy on the development and application of science and technology as an example.

"We must learn more from the Chinese on how to set up a coherent system that starts with research for promoting development and production," he said.

"Economic cooperation between the two countries keeps growing and new opportunities arise in areas like biotechnology, health, renewable energy, industries, and environmental protection," Hernandez said.

In addition, Hernandez believes Washington's possible lifting in the near future of its embargo against Cuba would be vital for the island's future economic development. Endi