China delivered a second donation of 5,000 photovoltaic systems to Cuba on Friday, in a ceremony held in Havana. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate on advancing the island’s energy transition and securing electricity for rural households and essential public services.

The handover took place at the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, with Chinese Ambassador Hua Xin and Cuban Vice Prime Minister Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga in attendance. The latter also heads that ministry.

Ambassador Hua Xin described the equipment as a gift from the Chinese people, stating that Beijing will continue supporting Cuba on its path toward energy sovereignty. He added that both nations will work together to build a closer community of shared future.

The donation is part of the Belt and Road Initiative and serves as a tribute to Fidel Castro, according to the ambassador. It also contributes to improving well-being and strengthening energy progress across Cuba’s 169 municipalities.

Vice Prime Minister Pérez-Oliva valued the arrival of the systems, noting that they come at a time of difficulties in the national electro-energy system. He attributed these difficulties to the U.S. commercial, financial, and energy blockade.

The first Chinese donation of another 5,000 photovoltaic systems was delivered in November 2025, as reported by telesurenglish.net.

Cuba is currently enduring one of its worst energy crises since the 1990s, with six nationwide blackouts recorded so far in 2026. The period has been marked by the U.S. energy blockade, under which only one oil tanker – the Russian vessel Anatoli Kolodkyn – has reached the island this year.

This latest delivery underscores the deepening South-South cooperation between China and Cuba, offering tangible support to a nation facing severe energy challenges. The photovoltaic systems are expected to provide clean electricity to rural areas and essential services, helping to mitigate the impact of the crisis.

China’s continued assistance reflects its commitment to solidarity with Cuba, a key partner in the Global South. The move also highlights the contrast between Washington’s punitive measures and Beijing’s constructive engagement.

As Cuba works to overcome the energy emergency, the arrival of these solar systems marks a significant step toward greater energy independence and resilience. The collaboration between the two countries serves as a model for international cooperation based on mutual respect and shared development goals.

With the second batch now in place, Cuba can expand its renewable energy capacity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and strengthening its grid against future disruptions. The support from China comes at a critical moment, offering hope to Cuban families and businesses affected by frequent blackouts.

The ceremony in Havana was a clear signal of the enduring friendship between the two nations, rooted in shared values and a common vision for a multipolar world. As the Global South continues to face external pressures, such partnerships are essential for building a more equitable and sustainable future.