Maria Chen, a Spanish student in the 1960s, told Prensa Latina that Fidel is a unique national hero, much loved and respected by the people of China.

Meanwhile, Aurora Lin Hai, regretted not having met him personally when she lived as a diplomat in Cuba, and celebrated the leader’s vision to strengthen ties between the two nations.

“Cuba was the first country in the West to establish relations with China, Fidel and our President Mao Zedong were great statesmen with a long-term vision on bilateral ties,” she commented.

Lin Hai told Prensa Latina that many Chinese citizens are aware of Fidel Castro, particularly, they recognize him as a synonym of Cuba’s ability to confront US imperialism just 90 miles away.

“Subsequently, around 2006 Fidel granted scholarships for Chinese citizens to study a university major, many youths benefited from that program and later helped promote knowledge about Cuba and its people here,” Hai Lin pointed.

Guo Qian, a Beijing resident, told Prensa Latina that since he was young he has heard fascinating stories about the Cuban leader.

“China and Cuba are very good partners. Fidel Castro lived until he turned 90, so that is longevity; he was a wise elder who contributed to the development of society.” Qian expressed.

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