China pledges support for Cuba as Washington increases pressure
China has promised to support Cuba’s sovereignty and opposition to outside interference as the United States intensifies political and economic pressure on Havana. Beijing has not announced new assistance, but has previously provided emergency financial support and rice, while Washington has expanded sanctions and discussed possible military planning.
China has pledged to support Cuba’s sovereignty and its right to pursue a socialist development path as the United States increases pressure on Havana. Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun made the comments at a regular briefing in Beijing on Monday, marking the 66th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Cuba. He said China would oppose outside interference and support Cuba regardless of changes in the international environment.
Guo did not announce new aid and did not name the United States. His comments were less direct than remarks made by Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng at the United Nations over the weekend, when Han called on the relevant country to stop threatening Cuba with force and end sanctions and the blockade. US President Donald Trump told the UN General Assembly that his administration wanted a fundamental change in Cuba and described the island as a failed state that would fall.
The Cuban delegation left the assembly during his remarks. Trump also said Secretary of State Marco Rubio was engaged in negotiations with Havana, but Cuba has reported no progress. Washington’s pressure has intensified since January, when the United States cut Cuba off from Venezuelan oil after capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
Trump later signed an order describing Cuba as an unusual and extraordinary threat. This month, the State Department sanctioned five state-run entities in Cuba’s energy, mining and financial sectors, as well as a grandson of former leader Raul Castro. The measures have contributed to severe pressure on Cuba’s power system.
A total collapse earlier this month left millions without electricity, while official figures showed tourist arrivals down 62 per cent year on year during the first seven months. China has combined its political support with assistance. President Xi Jinping approved $80 million in emergency financial help and a donation of 60,000 tonnes of rice in January.
A Chinese vessel delivered 15,000 tonnes of the rice to Havana in May. Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio accused Washington of committing an international crime by blocking oil supplies. Beijing has urged the United States to end its blockade and coercive measures, saying the sanctions infringe on Cubans’ rights to subsistence and development.
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