China has vowed to stand with Cuba against what it calls 'power politics and bullying' by the United States, as tensions escalate between Washington and Havana. During a bilateral meeting in New York, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed Beijing's unwavering support for the Caribbean island nation, which is grappling with a US energy blockade and threats from the Trump administration.
China's Support for Cuba
According to a Chinese readout of the meeting, Wang told Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla that China will continue to uphold justice and speak out on Cuba's behalf. 'It is essential to steadfastly respect the sovereignty and independence of all nations, and to oppose all forms of power politics and bullying,' Wang said, in an apparent reference to the US. China has already demonstrated its support by donating 60,000 tons of rice to help Cuba deal with shortages, with the first batch arriving on Sunday.
US Pressure on Cuba
The Trump administration has intensified pressure on Cuba, cutting off oil supplies from Havana's ally Venezuela after ousting Nicolas Maduro in a January raid. Last week, the US indicted former Cuban President Raul Castro over the downing of two civilian US planes in 1996, fueling fears that Washington is seeking a pretext to overthrow the Cuban government.
China's foreign ministry urged the US to 'stop brandishing the judicial stick against Cuba and stop threatening force at every turn' in response to the indictment. Spokesman Guo Jiakun said, 'China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and national dignity and opposes external interference.'
The developments highlight the deepening rift between the US and China over Cuba, as Beijing positions itself as a counterweight to American influence in the region.
