“Chinese combatants, men and women, inheritors of a millennial culture, are people of uncommon intelligence and an invincible spirit of struggle.”
- August 13, 1926 – November 25, 2016
- Cuban
- Revolutionary, Prime Minister and President of Cuba, Communist Leader
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Quote
“Chinese combatants, men and women, inheritors of a millennial culture, are people of uncommon intelligence and an invincible spirit of struggle.”
Explanation
This quote is Fidel Castro’s tribute to the resilience, intelligence, and cultural depth of the Chinese people, particularly those engaged in revolutionary or military struggle. By referring to them as “inheritors of a millennial culture,” he emphasizes the long, continuous, and rich history of Chinese civilization, which he saw as a source of strength and wisdom. The attributes “uncommon intelligence” and “an invincible spirit of struggle” are marks of profound respect, portraying Chinese combatants as both strategically capable and spiritually unyielding.
Historically, Castro admired China’s revolutionary history, especially the leadership of Mao Zedong and the role of the People’s Liberation Army in defeating foreign powers and internal oppression. Despite periods of diplomatic tension between Cuba and China during the Sino-Soviet split, Castro consistently acknowledged China’s place in the global revolutionary movement and its ability to endure and assert itself despite colonialism, war, and hardship.
In today’s context, the quote reflects a broader theme of solidarity among nations that have fought for independence and socialism, and it highlights the importance of cultural identity and historical continuity in shaping political resolve. Castro’s words affirm that revolutionary strength is not only found in weapons or numbers, but in a civilizational legacy and a people’s enduring will to overcome adversity. It is a salute to China’s intellectual and moral fortitude in shaping its own destiny.
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