China Demands U.S. Lift 60-Year Illegal Blockade on Cuba

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian declared Wednesday in Beijing that his country "firmly" supports Cuba in defending its national sovereignty and opposing external interference, and that it is ready to work with the international community to "safeguard international equity and justice." The statement was made during the ministry's regular press briefing in response to a journalist's query.

Lin Jian stated that the United States has imposed "a comprehensive blockade and illegal sanctions against Cuba for more than 60 years, causing profound calamities to the Cuban people." The spokesperson noted that "recently, the United States has intensified its blockade and sanctions against Cuba, severely undermining the island's basic welfare and drawing great attention from the international community."

He demanded that "the U.S. side heed the just voices of the international community, immediately end the blockade and coercion against Cuba, and cease its violation of the Cuban people's right to subsistence and development."

Beijing's position is not new, but the tone of Wednesday's statement reflects the attention that the Chinese Foreign Ministry is paying to Washington's recent intensification of pressure on Havana. China is one of Cuba's most important strategic partners and one of the few heavyweight actors in the United Nations Security Council willing to publicly defend Havana's stance.

The appeal to the "international community" that Lin Jian made Wednesday also refers to the nearly unanimous support that the U.N. General Assembly renews each year in its resolution demanding the lifting of the blockade, which is approved with 187 votes in favor and only two against—the United States and Israel.