China Reiterates Its Defense of Cuba Against U.S. Coercion

China on Thursday called on the United States to immediately end the blockade and all sanctions against Cuba, rejecting statements made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the Caribbean nation.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that fabricating pretexts and spreading unfounded accusations cannot justify the blockade nor the unilateral sanctions imposed by Washington against Cuba.

The spokeswoman was responding to recent comments made by Rubio during a hearing before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Mao Ning noted that the United States has maintained for decades unilateral sanctions and a blockade against Cuba that have severely affected the island’s economy and the living conditions of its people.

The spokeswoman said those measures have caused enormous difficulties for the Cuban people and face widespread opposition from the international community.

She also reiterated China’s support for Cuba’s efforts to defend its national sovereignty and security.

The diplomat also expressed Beijing’s opposition to any form of external interference in the Caribbean nation’s internal affairs.

Mao Ning urged the United States to heed the international community’s call and completely eliminate the blockade, sanctions, and coercive pressure measures against Cuba.

On Wednesday, Ma Hui, deputy head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China’s Central Committee, underscored that the Caribbean nation has stood before the world’s peoples as a benchmark for defending national sovereignty, safeguarding national dignity, and opposing hegemonism.

He expressed that China systematically opposes illegal unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law or authorization from the UN Security Council, and pointed out that the U.S. government must immediately cease the blockade, sanctions, and any form of coercion and pressure against Cuba.

He stated that China will firmly support Cuba in defending its sovereignty and national integrity and in rejecting all external interference.

Dozens of Cubans and Chinese celebrated the 95th birthday of historic Cuban Revolution leader Raúl Castro on Wednesday and underscored their support for the island’s sovereignty and defense against U.S. threats.