International Herald Tribune, Friday, December 1, 1995, page 4

Bejing - President Fidel Castro hailed the successes of China's economy Thursday as a model for his vision of "socialism with Cuban characteristics". The phrase, used in talks with President Jiang Zemin, was a twist on Deng Xiaoping's "socialism with Chinese characteristic," the basis of China's market reforms.

Mr. Castro said China was impressed by China's approach, wich has fueled double-digit economy growth anf fostered exports and military clout, altough Bejing is struggling to cure its wheezing state sector and curb corruption. Chinese and Cuban trade ministers signed three agreements for trade and economic cooperation, but nationally televised evening news did not give any details. The two sides were negotiating an agreement to increase trade, wich last year totaled only $500 million.

Mr. Castro arrived Wednesday for his first state visit to China. Cuba, a former Soviet ally, did not establish diplomatic ties with Bejing until 1993. Mr. Castro is to visit some of China's most successful economic zones, laboratories for nation's experimentation with capitalism. (Reuters, AP)