The annual reception for commemorating the birthday of the Cuban poet and journalist José Martí (1853-1895) took place at the Cuban Embassy on January 29.

Diplomats from the Cuban and other Latin-American embassies in Beijing attended the event. Martí inspired generations of Cuban youth, and his work is credited with contributing to the triumph of the Cuban Revolution (1952-1958), more than 60 years after his death.

Alberto J. Blanco Silva, the Cuban ambassador to China delivered a speech to mark the occasion, stating that Martí was a great hero who was never scared in the face of the long torment of prison or forced exiles, sacrifices, misunderstanding, ingratitude or the challenges of his time.