The Government of China expressed this Friday its support for Cuba and condemned the measures adopted by the US against the supply of oil to the islandconsidering that they violate the sovereignty of the Caribbean country and deprive its population of its right to development.
The spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry Guo Jiakun stated this Friday at a press conference that Beijing “firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security.”
He added that China opposes “external interference” and “inhuman actions and even practices that deprive the Cuban people of their right to survival and development.”
The statements came after the signing by US President Donald Trump of an executive order that allows impose tariffs on goods from countries that sell or supply oil to Cuba.
For the Trump Administration, the situation on the island constitutes an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, a measure considered by the Cuban Government as unfounded and aggressive.
The order empowers the Departments of Commerce and State to determine which countries could be affected by the new levies, in a context in which Washington has named China, Russia and Iran among the actors that maintain energy ties with Havana.
Trump declares a “national emergency” and threatens tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba
China and support for Cuba in the face of pressure from the US
Beijing avoided commenting on possible specific impacts of the measure on trade relations with the United States, but reiterated its rejection of unilateral sanctions and any pressure policy which, in his opinion, worsens the humanitarian situation on the island.
China has repeatedly defended the lifting of the US blockade of Cuba and has criticized the use of sanctions as a foreign policy instrument in international forums.
In recent years, both countries have maintained cooperation in areas such as financial assistance and the supply of basic goods.
According to experts, Cuba also resold to China part of the subsidized oil it received from Venezuela, aid paralyzed since the US intervention in that country.
Guo’s statements add to Beijing’s previous positions in which it has assured that will continue to provide support to Cuba “within its capabilities”at a time of growing international pressure on the energy supply to the island.
China promises to continue supporting Cuba “within its capabilities” in the face of the US embargo
Cuba is going through a serious economic and energy crisis in a context aggravated by the tightening of the US blockade, in addition to internal factors and the accumulated impact of the pandemic.
The island has been mired in one of its worst crises for several years due, among other factors, to the constant sanctions and economic asphyxiation measures dictated by Washington, as well as hitherto failed economic and financial policies, all of which has led to long blackouts and shortages of fuel, food, medicine and other basic products.
EFE / OnCuba
