China welcomes US-Cuba deal

China yesterday welcomed the re-establishment of formal ties between the US and Cuba, despite the move representing a reconciliation between Beijing's longstanding Communist ally and its greatest diplomatic rival.

Washington and Havana on Wednesday agreed a historic deal to re-establish full diplomatic relations, severed 54 years ago in the heat of the Cold War.

Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro exchanged letters agreeing to unfreeze ties on July 20, when embassies can be reopened.

Beijing's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the decision was an "important step" that "serves the common interests of the two countries and two peoples, contributes to regional stability and development and also meets the long-term and universal aspiration of the international community". She urged the US to remove its remaining embargoes and sanctions against Cuba.