Comrade Fidel is a colossus of our era, said Li Yuanchao, vice president and a member of the Political Bureau of the People's Republic of China, at an event here today to pay posthumous tribute to the leader of the Cuban Revolution.
Fidel made everlasting historic contributions to Cubans and World Socialism, noted the Chinese leader at Havana's Revolution Square, where he expressed his deepest condolences on behalf of President Xi Jinping, who is also the general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.
He pointed out that Fidel is the great leader of the Cuban people and he devoted his entire life to the great undertaking of the people's struggle for national emancipation, to safeguard their sovereignty and to build socialism. With his attention and personal support, Cuba became the first Latin American country that established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. It was 56 years ago and since then, China-Cuba relations have expanded considerably, Li added.
'His departure is a huge loss for Cuba and the Latin American peoples. Not only you (Cubans) lose a sublime son, the Chinese people also lose a very close comrade and a sincere friend,' he pointed out.
His glorious image and great deeds will remain written forever in the annals of history, he went on to say.
The best tribute to Comrade Fidel will be to promote his spirit and to inherit his cause, Li pointed out.
We have the conviction that under the firm leadership of Comrade Raul Castro, the party, the government and the people of Cuba, all the pain will be turned into new achievements in the construction of Socialism, he stressed.
We will continue alongside Cuba, deepening friendship and cooperation steadily between the two parties and countries, for the welfare and happiness of our peoples. Together we will contribute actively to the cause of world peace and development, Li stressed.
Eternal glory to the great Comrade Fidel Castro!, concluded Li Yuanchao in his speech at Revolution Square.