China says it will "modernize" Cuban Customs to make it "competitive" globally.

China is strengthening its influence in Cuba by "modernizing" its Customs, according to government media. What's brewing behind the scenes?

In a new chapter of its global expansion strategy, China will provide assistance to the General Customs Office of the Republic of Cuba (AGR) for its modernization and thus make it more "competitive" globally.

This Saturday, Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero met in Havana with Lyu Weihong, deputy head of the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), according to state television and echoed by other official media such as the daily Granma. 

The Cuban government hailed Chinese support as a "strength," noting that both countries are commemorating 65 years of bilateral relations.

Marrero praised the Cuban Customs training programs from China and the administrative assistance they have provided since 2012, which, following the signing of this new memorandum of understanding, will be extended until 2027.

However, behind the rhetoric of "solidarity" cooperation between socialist countries, a critical interpretation emerges: China's growing involvement in the island's strategic sectors reinforces Cuba's technological and administrative dependence on Beijing.

Cuban Customs and Chinese Support: More Modern?

In a context of internal crisis, the transfer of "modern models" could also entail the transplantation of more stringent practices that characterize the Chinese customs apparatus. This is something that has been warned about from the highest levels of Cuban Customs.

Vice Minister Lyu Weihong affirmed that her country will strengthen its support to achieve a "modern, advanced, and internationally competitive customs service."

"We have made progress, supporting each other in recent years, under the strategic leadership of our top leaders, which is an example of solidarity among socialist countries and sincere cooperation among developing nations," Lyu said.

La growing dependence China's influence in key areas, such as Cuban Customs, not only reflects the limitations of the Cuban economy but also the lack of sovereign alternatives for its development. Furthermore, criticism of Customs continues despite these "modernizations."