Deep Water Drilling Talks Deepen Oil Ties Between Cuba and China

On July 13, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and Cupet, a Cuban state oil company, announced plans to discuss the possibility of off-shore oil drilling cooperation. China will potentially lease an area of Cuba-owned waters in the Gulf of Mexico. While there is speculation surrounding the existence of oil in the area, talks between Cuba and China about a possible partnership continue. Last month, the two companies formed an agreement “to cooperate on oil and gas exploration, engineering and technology services.” The United States is unlikely to support the partnership between China and Cuba given fears of Communist China operating just off the Florida coast in the Gulf.