In the small Cuban city of Jatibonico, life looks like it belongs to another century. Horse-drawn carriages fill the streets. Power cuts last for hours. The town’s large sugar mill, once a symbol of pride in Cuba, stands still.
A Town Waiting, a Country in Crisis
It lacks fuel, electricity, and the parts needed to operate. Two years ago, a Russian company announced plans to restart this mill. They promised to send machines, fertilizer, and experts. But those promises remain just words. Locals keep asking the same question: “When are the Russians coming?”
Just outside Jatibonico, something very different is happening. Bulldozers are clearing old sugarcane fields to build a solar power park. This is no ordinary project. It’s one of 55 solar parks being built across Cuba — all financed by China. Each park will generate 21 megawatts of power. These projects are arriving at a critical moment.
Cuba’s economy is under heavy pressure. Food, fuel, and medicine are scarce. Long blackouts have become normal. Tourism is down. U.S. sanctions have made the situation worse. The country urgently needs help, and while Russia’s promises fade, China is stepping in.
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China Delivers While Russia Stalls in Cuba
In recent years, China has quietly become Cuba’s most reliable partner. Cuba joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative in 2018. Since then, China has supported major projects in transport, ports, telecom, and now energy. One major step came in February, when a new solar park opened outside Havana. The event was attended by top officials from both countries. The new park was praised as a symbol of strong friendship.
Since that event, eight more solar parks have started operating. Together, they now supply around 400 megawatts of energy. This covers about one-third of Cuba’s power shortage during the day. China plans to fund even more solar parks — aiming for a total of 2,000 megawatts by 2028. That would nearly cover all of Cuba’s current daytime electricity needs.
Chinese ships have been arriving at Cuba’s main port, Mariel, since mid-2024. They carry solar panels, steel, tools, and even fuel to transport these goods across the island. Trucks with Chinese labels are now a common sight on Cuba’s rough roads. Local workers say the Chinese teams are very strict and efficient. They check every step and every liter of fuel used. Their approach stands in contrast to the Russian efforts that haven’t gone far.
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In addition to solar power, China is also helping to upgrade Cuba’s entire electrical grid. That means better stability for schools, businesses, and hospitals. China’s support comes at a time when Cuba’s national grid has already collapsed four times in a single year. These upgrades are a lifeline for millions of people across the island.
Russia’s Promises Fall Short in Cuba
Russia once held the position of Cuba’s strongest ally. In 2023, they announced several new projects, including reopening a major steel mill. They promised food aid, restored buildings, and even tourism boosts. One big event was the opening of the steel mill, supported by $100 million in Russian funding. However, production fell far short of the target. Only a small portion of the promised steel bars was ever produced.
Now, that steel plant is quiet. Locals say the noise and workers have disappeared. Other Russian projects tell a similar story. A shopping center that was supposed to be full of Russian products is still closed. A beachside housing area promised for development remains in poor shape. Even the plan to restore a historic building in old Havana has not started.
Despite all these delays, some Russian support has arrived. They have sent wheat and oil to help the island. Russian tourism campaigns have brought some foreign exchange. But overall, most Russian deals remain stuck or incomplete.
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In May, Russia announced a new idea — to support businesses investing up to $1 billion in Cuba. But local signs of progress are few. Many agreements from 2023 are still waiting to take shape. The gap between what was promised and what was delivered is growing wider.
Meanwhile, China’s work is visible and growing. Solar parks are being built. Energy is flowing. Equipment is arriving. China has become a steady partner in Cuba’s most urgent time of need.