Renewed ties between Washington and Havana

President Obama decided to restore relationships with Cuba. His decision invited criticism in the USA. A Republican senator predicted that Cuba would follow the model of Vietnam and China where the government only grow economy but repress the political freedom.

The senator is may be right. However, I still support the decision of Mr. President Obama. I think his decision would will/is sure to have positive impacts on Cuba.
Firstly, people in Cuba will benefit from the boost of to the/in the economy. Second, more and more Cuban youth can go to the universities in the USA. Third, the seeds of freedom will be planted in Cuban people's mind.

The renewed ties won't change Cuba overnight, but it can start that change. Although Cuban government will repress the political freedom, but still the Cuban people will pursue it. (in Chinese it is 虽然。。但是 but in English it is 'Although ... still' - normally plus some variants)

America has imposed 50 years of embargo and economic suffering on the island country next door because they disagree with the political system of that little country