Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro passed away on November 25. People from around the world offered condolences for his loss, paying tribute to his legendary life and immortal spirit.
Over the past half century, Castro has been regarded as a symbol that represented the pursuit of justice.
“He has devoted all his life to the Cuban people’s great cause of struggling for national liberation, safeguarding state sovereignty and building socialism,” Chinese President Xi Jinping said in his message of condolence to his Cuban counterpart Raul Castro.
“He has made immortal historic contributions to the Cuban people and to the world socialism development,” Xi added. Calling Castro “a great figure of our times,” he said that Comrade Castro will be remembered by history and by the people as well.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in a statement, lauded Castro’s contribution, saying that “he was a strong voice for social justice in global discussions at the UN General Assembly and international and regional forums.”
Over the past 60 years, Castro has fought for revolution, socialism development, national independence, as well as world justice both in Cuba and the world arena. Speaking of Cuba’s attitude toward the US, Castro said that “Cuba will never kneel down to the US with its people unified together.”
Cuba is not opposed to finding a solution to its historical differences with the US, but no one should expect Cuba to change its position or yield to its principles. Cuba is and will continue to be socialist, he stressed.
The loss of such a legend also drives the world to review history and explore the future. Since equity and justice are always required to realize human development, each nation should strive for these two goals for the sake of civilization of the mankind in each era. However, people have to admit that not all humans are enjoying equity and justice so far.
It’s natural for every country to seek for sovereign equality and its own independent development, but challenges and obstacles still hinder this process. As some countries never give up the ambition and attempt to monopolize international affairs in the global system, there is still a long way to go before the final democratization of international relations.
In terms of human development, the widening gap between the rich and the poor tests the world. About 800 million people are living in extreme poverty, 6 million children under the age of 5 die every year, and nearly 60 million children are left uneducated.
Against those harsh facts, people have to reconsider the global development vision and approach, lay more focus on equity and justice and pursue a more inclusive and mutually beneficial economic globalization process. The world should never stop its exploration of the development path.
Let us remember Castro’s call at the closing of the 7th Cuban Communist Party National Congress several months ago. “We will change what needs to be reformed in the country while maintaining our loyalty and unity just like our independence heroes Marti, Maceo and Gomez,” the veteran leader declared inhis resolution.
The spirit of Fidel Castro lives for eternity. Today, the world is also learning from his wisdom for a better future while mourning over the death of this great fighter.
Our thanks to People’s Daily. Translated from Chinese by People’s Daily, Beijing
