Dark clouds hang over Tiananmen Square in Beijing. (Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
[People News] In late March 2026, Beijing made a sudden high-profile display of 'communist brotherhood.' On March 28, Hua Xin, the Chinese ambassador to Cuba, attended the delivery ceremony for the third batch of 15,600 tons of rice as part of Cuba's emergency food aid project at the Havana port. He emphasised the commitment to jointly build a China-Cuba community of shared destiny.
On March 30, China National Airlines flight CA121 took off from Beijing Capital International Airport and landed at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport, officially resuming the direct passenger flight route from Beijing to Pyongyang after a six-year hiatus.
Why is Xi Jinping so eager to send rice to Cuba and restore flights with North Korea at this moment? It is clear that the big brother is deeply entrenched in geopolitical anxiety, as the once 'little communist brothers' have either fallen, undergone regime changes, or switched allegiances one by one. Xi Jinping has found himself in a state of dual isolation, both internationally and domestically, with the haunting fear that 'socialism must be severed' looming over Zhongnanhai.
In December 2025, U.S. President Trump announced a comprehensive blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers travelling to and from Venezuela. The series of measures taken by the U.S. to pressure the Maduro regime in Venezuela has also adversely affected Cuba, which has close ties with Venezuela. Since Trump captured Maduro, Cuba has plunged into its most severe economic crisis since the collapse of the Soviet Union. With food shortages, an energy crisis, and frequent power outages, the people's lives have become increasingly difficult, leading to unbearable conditions that resulted in citizens storming the headquarters of the Communist Party and setting it ablaze.
On March 17, 2026, Castro's grandson, Vice Premier Oscar Pérez Oliva, announced the launch of the most significant economic opening since 1959. This initiative allows for the expansion of the private sector, welcomes overseas expatriates—including those previously labelled as 'counter-revolutionaries'—to return and invest in the country, own businesses, open foreign currency accounts, and even acquire agricultural land. This development represents a major breakthrough in Cuban history, signalling the total collapse of the planned economy system. Foreign and expatriate investments are pouring into key sectors, the US dollar has become the dominant currency, and previously confiscated assets are returning under the guise of investment. Such reforms are expected to topple the last ideological stronghold like a line of dominoes. At the same time, the United States has issued a final ultimatum to Cuba, demanding the current regime's resignation, indicating that the US has laid its cards on the table and that its backyard must not turn into a haven for the CCP's anti-American activities.
As a socialist nation in the Caribbean, Cuba is located just 90 miles from the US mainland, making it an ideal base for the CCP to challenge American dominance. In 2018, Cuba became the first Caribbean country to join the CCP's 'Belt and Road Initiative,' leading to increasingly frequent military exchanges between the two nations.
In 2023, The Wall Street Journal reported that China and Cuba had entered into a secret agreement to set up electronic eavesdropping facilities on the island, leading to an acceleration of their cooperation. By 2024, U.S. intelligence revealed that China had been operating military and intelligence facilities in Cuba since 2019. China runs several signals intelligence sites in Cuba, including four locations such as Beijukar, Wadeluo, and Kalabazar, which are used to monitor U.S. military communications, maritime traffic, and space activities. In early 2026, U.S. satellite imagery indicated that these facilities had been upgraded, now featuring circular antenna arrays designed for intercepting encrypted communications. China has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to modernise its electronic eavesdropping equipment.
In 2025, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun met with Cuban Defence Minister Alvaro Lopez Miera at the sixth China-Latin America High-Level Defence Forum, where they pledged to elevate military relations to a 'new level,' encompassing arms sales, military exchanges, and training. Since 2025, China has donated generator units to bolster Cuba's military logistics capabilities. In 2026, China committed $800,000 in financial aid for the procurement of electrical equipment, which may have military applications.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is taking advantage of Cuba's geographical position and intelligence leverage to address intelligence gaps within China, aiding the CCP in evaluating the U.S. global strike response times and projection capabilities. The CCP sees Cuba as a strategic entry point into the U.S. backyard, aiming to undermine U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere and to enhance the CCP's strategic initiative in global competition.
Currently, Cuba, often referred to as a socialist Trojan horse, is facing a full-scale purge by the Trump administration, leading to rising anxiety and agitation. In 2026, the United States initiated military action against Venezuela, resulting in the arrest of Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Following this, the U.S. launched strikes against Iran, targeting nuclear facilities and high-ranking officials. They are now collaborating closely with Israel to conduct extensive operations against Iran's nuclear materials, military deployments, and stability forces, effectively neutralising Iran's threat to the Strait of Hormuz. Throughout this period, Trump has publicly stated multiple times that 'Cuba is next,' which understandably drives Xi Jinping (Xi Jinping) to a state of frenzy. Cuba serves as an anti-American stronghold in Latin America and stands as a successful example in the CCP's (Chinese Communist Party) narrative of the 'Global South.' The potential shift in Cuba raises not only the question of how Xi Jinping can maintain his dignity but also where he can safely place his resolve.
In light of the precarious situation in Cuba, the CCP finds itself in a state of panic and confusion. If they act against the prevailing winds, they fear repercussions from the United States; yet, if they remain inactive, they risk losing face. How can the big brother maintain his authority when the little brother is being subdued by the U.S.? The big brother is merely watching from a distance, while the little brother is being pushed down. This raises concerns about their future standing within their circle. After much deliberation, the only option left is to send some rice. As stated by the CCP's party media, this can be seen as timely assistance. On March 30, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the CCP declared, 'We firmly support Cuba in safeguarding its sovereignty and security, and oppose foreign interference.' Sending weapons reflects a desire for action without the courage to follow through; thus, they resort to empty rhetoric, promoting a sense of communist camaraderie.
Examining the neighbouring North Korea reveals intriguing insights. Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, North Korea enforced an extreme border closure policy, halting passenger transport routes and train services between China and North Korea for nearly six years. During this time, reports emerged that North Korea implemented harsh measures against cross-border violators, including the direct shooting of Chinese individuals. Meanwhile, the Chinese Communist Party opted for silence, fearing that any backlash could jeopardise the 'China-North Korea friendship.' This friendship, indeed, has been cemented with the blood of ordinary citizens.
On March 23, 2026, North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly approved a constitutional amendment, changing the name of the 'Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea' to the 'Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea,' thereby removing the term 'socialist' from the constitution's title. This is not a trivial change; it represents a significant shift after more than fifty years. The elimination of 'socialist' as a core descriptor sends a powerful political message. Kim Jong-un exemplifies pragmatism and opportunism, aligning himself with whoever offers the most benefits. In recent years, North Korea has provided military assistance to Russia in exchange for technology and resources, further indicating a loosening of its ties with China.
The resumption of flights is also driven by strategic concerns from Beijing. The Chinese Communist Party is keen to restart flights, aiming to boost economic and personnel exchanges while mitigating North Korea's shift towards Russia. Additionally, there is a deeper worry that this last continental neighbour, the 'communist brother,' may further dilute ideological labels and slide entirely into pragmatism, potentially disregarding its own interests at critical moments.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is extending support to Cuba and flattering North Korea, driven by a deeper fear of the global decline of socialism. Historically, following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the upheaval in Eastern Europe, the 'communist camp' has become obsolete. As we enter the Year of the Red Horse, Venezuela has shifted its political stance, Iran is facing internal turmoil, Cuba is moving towards a 'Deng Xiaoping-style' opening, and North Korea is removing the 'socialism' label from its constitution. These significant historical events continuously challenge the CCP, which sees itself as the leading figure. If this trend continues, the CCP fears that socialism may soon face extinction. Can the Beijing model still find buyers? Does anyone still trust Xi Jinping's words?
By aiding Cuba and re-establishing ties with North Korea, the CCP aims to uphold the illusion of being a 'big brother with friends worldwide' and to create a domestic perception that 'the CCP is not alone.' This strategy reveals the underlying fragility of the CCP regime. While Beijing's actions may create a temporary facade, they cannot alter the fate that seems to be predetermined.
The decline of socialism is a matter of destiny, shaped by divine will and public sentiment, and it is the inevitable fate of the malevolent CCP.
(First published by the People News) △
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