China delivered the first batch of a promised 60,000-ton rice aid package to Cuba as the island struggles with severe food shortages, blackouts
May 25, 2026: China on Sunday delivered 15,000 tons of rice to Cuba as part of a larger humanitarian assistance package aimed at easing the island nation’s worsening food crisis. The shipment arrived at the port of Havana and marks the first batch of a promised 60,000 tons of rice pledged by Beijing. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel described the move as a “noble gesture of solidarity” that would benefit millions of people across the country.
Chinese Ambassador Hua Xin said the deliveries represent China’s largest recent food aid effort to Cuba. The assistance comes as Cuba faces a deepening economic and energy crisis aggravated by fuel shortages, food scarcity and prolonged blackouts. Reports indicate that large parts of the island have recently experienced electricity outages lasting over 20 hours, while the government has described the energy situation as “critical” and “extremely tense.”
The crisis has intensified after disruptions in oil supplies from Venezuela and continued pressure from the United States, which maintains longstanding sanctions and trade restrictions on Cuba. Meanwhile, the administration of Donald Trump has reportedly increased political pressure on Havana, while China has continued expanding humanitarian and economic support for the Caribbean nation. Analysts say the rice shipments highlight Beijing’s growing strategic and diplomatic role in Latin America amid Cuba’s worst economic downturn in decades.