(Adalberto Roque / Agence-France Presse)
The timing of it all! With Castro out and the prospect of a waning trade embargo in a new American administration, Beijing stands a
little taller this spring.
It is openly noted that Raul Castro is ready to replicate China in planning for Cuban economic reform, an extension of Fidel's
fascination with "Chinese style socialism." China is glowing in its new role as mentor, and has been hazily whispering sweet nothings about Cuba to the media on its steadfast appreciation for the country: “China and Cuba are friendly nations. The Chinese side will continue to consolidate and develop Sino-Cuban friendly and cooperative relations."
Fidel's departure is the first domino in a series of events. Its economic isolation provided the island country with time to ripen with
resources. Now, it seems, everyone is quivering with excitement at the opportunity to own and drill on a piece of the Gulf of Mexico. With China as lead comrade on the VIP list (and more in queue), Cuba is poised for significant foreign investment deals. Deals that will be
neatly stacked on top of business generated from Cuban expatriates, leveraging agricultural resources for ethanol, and its well-educated people , if played correctly.
And still, China wins. On top of being supremely situated for a stake in the Gulf, its relationship with (and investment in) Cuba makes for
a careful US, whose attention is already divided among its presence in the Middle East, the upcoming election, and narrowing its trade gap with China. Among its other 123984719562734 priorities.
Spielberg: 1
China: 1 *
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*No but for serious, the allegations surrounding China's involvement in Darfur's genocide activities are grave and require serious attention. I have been thinking on how to frame this discussion and intend to post on it, very soon.
