China urges US to lift Cuba sanctions, condemns 'unilateral coercive measures'

BEIJING: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China on Tuesday called on the United States to immediately end its blockade and sanctions against Cuba, urging Washington to halt what it described as coercive and unilateral actions.

The remarks came after Donald Trump signed an executive order on May 1 expanding sanctions on Cuba, alleging that Havana continued to pose a threat to US national security and foreign policy interests. Responding to the move, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla rejected the accusations, terming the measures “illegal and unilateral,” and asserting that they would not intimidate the Cuban people.

In its response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry criticised Washington’s decision, stating that the intensification of sanctions “gravely infringes” upon the Cuban people’s right to subsistence and development, while also violating fundamental norms governing international relations.

China reiterated its firm support for Cuba in safeguarding its sovereignty and security, emphasising opposition to any external interference in the island nation’s internal affairs.

Chinese state media, including Xinhua News Agency, have consistently framed the US embargo on Cuba as a longstanding issue affecting economic development and humanitarian conditions, arguing that unilateral sanctions undermine global stability and multilateral cooperation.

Beijing further urged the US to adopt a more constructive approach in its relations with Cuba, stressing the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to international law in resolving bilateral differences.