Trump Expands 'Cuba Sanctions'... China Urges Immediate End to Pressure

U.S. President Donald Trump has expanded sanctions targeting the Cuban government, prompting China to condemn the measures as "illegal and unilateral sanctions" and to urge their immediate cessation.

On May 5, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement in a Q&A format on the ministry's website, declaring, "The United States' further strengthening and enforcement of illegal and unilateral sanctions against Cuba seriously infringes upon the Cuban people's rights to survival and development, and constitutes a grave violation of the basic norms of international relations."

Yonhap News Agency

The spokesperson went on to say, "China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security, and strongly opposes interference in Cuba's internal affairs. We urge the United States to immediately cease its blockade and sanctions against Cuba, as well as all forms of coercion and pressure."

Previously, on May 1 (local time), President Trump signed a new executive order to expand sanctions against Cuba.

The sanctions target individuals, organizations, and related entities that support the Cuban government's security sector, as well as those involved in serious human rights violations or corruption, including government officials, agents, and supporters of the Cuban government. This executive order also includes so-called "secondary sanctions," which penalize third parties who transact with or facilitate transactions for those under sanction.

China has maintained close relations with Cuba, a key member of the anti-U.S. belt in Latin America, and has consistently called for the U.S. to lift its blockade against Cuba.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.