Fidel Castro is recovering well, and despite remaining in the ward, lives among the Cuban people by writing - including the introduction to a Chinese translation of his biography and a note of congratulations to the 17th National Congress of the CPC - the Cuban ambassador said yesterday.

"Castro has been getting better because he is a patient who follows his doctors' advice" and has strong beliefs, Carlos Hernandez told China Daily.

"Despite falling ill, Castro has not stopped working and writes articles on topics ranging from social development, economy and the struggle against hegemony," Hernandez said.

"In that sense, he still lives together with his people."

The ambassador also disclosed that the Chinese version of a biography about Castro is due for release soon.

The book, 100 Hours With Fidel, is based on conversations between Castro and Ignacio Ramonet, a French journalist.

"The book is very objective and covers all aspects of Mr Castro's life," Hernandez said.

What makes this book more readable is its preface, which was penned by Castro himself, the ambassador said, adding that it is also the only preface Castro has written for the book, despite dozens of other translations.

In April when Wu Guanzheng, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, visited Cuba, the 81-year-old went as far as defying his illness and walking out of his ward to welcome a friend from far away, but still close.

Hernandez also expressed his good wishes for the coming 17th CPC National Congress and spoke highly of China's development strategy that puts people's interests first.

"To me, a member of the Communist Party of Cuba, the congress is like our own meeting and I wish, from the bottom of my heart, the meeting a great success," he said.

"The meeting will turn a new page in China's development and I believe China is on the way to becoming a socialist country of prosperity and harmony," he added.

While he was talking to China Daily, on his lap lay a congratulatory letter from the Communist Party of Cuba for the 17th National Congress of the CPC, which begins on Monday.

"We always send our sincere congratulations and best wishes for such big events, but what makes this letter even more special is the addition of some words from Mr Castro," Hernandez said.

In the letter the Cuban leader wrote: Eighty-six years have passed since the establishment of the CPC. Now China has become an example and beacon of hope for other countries.

(China Daily October 12, 2007)