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China’s foreign minister vowed to support Cuba and opposed what he called “power politics and bullying” during talks with his Cuban counterpart in New York, as Havana faces mounting pressure from the U.S., according to Chinese state media.
China’s Foreign Minister vWang Yi told Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla that Beijing would continue to speak on Havana’s behalf and support Cuba’s economy and people’s livelihoods.
“China will continue to uphold justice and speak out on Cuba’s behalf, support the just cause of the Cuban people, and contribute to the development of Cuba’s economy and the improvement of its people’s livelihoods,” Wang said, according to a Chinese readout of the meeting.
Wang said all countries’ sovereignty and independence must be respected, in remarks that appeared to refer to U.S. pressure on Cuba.
“It is essential to steadfastly respect the sovereignty and independence of all nations, and to oppose all forms of power politics and bullying,” he said.
China has close ties with Cuba and has promised to donate 60,000 tons of rice to help the island deal with shortages. The first batch arrived on Sunday.
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Cuba is facing a U.S. energy blockade, while U.S. President Donald Trump has openly discussed taking over the country.
The Trump administration cut off Cuba’s supply of oil from Venezuela after ousting Nicolas Maduro in a raid in January.
Washington also tightened pressure last week by indicting former Cuban President Raul Castro over the downing of two civilian U.S. planes in 1996, raising fears that the U.S. was seeking a pretext to overthrow the government in Havana.
China’s Foreign Ministry urged Washington last week to “stop brandishing ... the judicial stick against Cuba and stop threatening force at every turn” in response to the indictment.
“China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and national dignity and opposes external interference,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at the time.
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