• Chinese edition of The
Moncada Trial presented
Yenia Silva
Correa
"POLITICALLY, economically and in
regards to social issues it must be emphasized that
relations between China and Cuba are experiencing
their greatest moment. Cuba is an excellent comrade,
worthy ally and partner in all aspects."
This is how Zhang Tuo - speaking to
Granma International - described the state of
relations between both countries during the first
international celebration of Confucius Institute Day
(CI Day) on September 27 at Havana’s Pabexpo center.
Speaking on the work of Confucius
Institutes around the globe he noted that "The CI is
a symbol of my country’s efforts to promote peace
and cultural exchange. It is also a useful platform
for the Chinese people and people around the world
to learn about each other and a good means of
promoting the Chinese language."
In addition to promoting the Chinese
language and culture the CIs support trade and
economic cooperation, offer courses and professional
training and conduct international exams.
CIs are currently present in 123
countries. According to estimates, more than 465
institutes of this type exist in the world, in
addition to more than 716 Chinese language classes,
with an estimated 300 million foreigners learning
the language.
The University of Havana’s Confucius
Institute (ICUH) was established in November 2009 -
the result of an international cooperation project
between the Chinese and Cuban governments.
Ambassador Zhagn Tuo took the
occasion to highlight the ICHU’s achievements and
its relations with similar centers.
There are currently around 700
students enrolled at the Institute, and in July the
first batch of Cubans to complete all six levels of
the Chinese language course received their diplomas.
During the event Tuo presented the
Chinese edition of El juicio del Moncada (The
Moncada Trial), by journalist Marta
Rojas, published in Beijing in July of this year.
There were also demonstrations of traditional
Chinese cooking and dance.
The celebration was presided over by
Caridad Diego Bello, President of the Cuba-China
Friendship Association and head of the Department of
Religious Affairs of the Party’s Central Committee.
Also in attendance were students and teachers from
the ICUH; the Cuban School of Whu Shu; the House of
Chinese Arts and Traditions and the University of
Sports. Cuba was the first Latin American country to
recognize the People’s Republic of China, with
relations between the two countries officially
established in September 1960.
