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.