China pushes back against U.S. on Iran, Cuba in UN speech

China rebuked the United States during its address at the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday, asserting that the sovereignty of nations in the Gulf should be respected and calling on the "relevant country" to cease threatening Cuba and lift its blockade. Vice President Han Zheng did not directly name the US in his remarks.

The US has imposed a blockade on Cuba that has effectively halted oil shipments to the island. The US invasion of Iran began with US-Israeli strikes in February. Han's comments were a stark contrast to the friendly atmosphere at the White House earlier in the week, where President Donald Trump honored Chinese President Xi Jinping with military flyovers and a lavish state dinner.

"Major countries should have special responsibilities for safeguarding international peace and security, and they should take the lead in complying with the rules, upholding rule of law, and doing what's right," Han stated. "China holds that the sovereignty and security of countries in the Middle East, including the Gulf, should be respected."

During the Washington talks, Trump cautioned Xi against supporting Iran, receiving assurances that China would refrain from doing so, according to the US ambassador to China. The warning came in response to reports that Beijing had provided Iran with shoulder-fired air-defense missile launchers, and that Tehran had circumvented sanctions on its oil sales with Chinese assistance.

On the issue of Cuba, Han declared: "China urges the relevant country to immediately stop using the threat of force against Cuba and immediately and completely lift the blockade and sanctions against Cuba." Cuba experienced a complete power outage earlier this month, plunging the nation into darkness and leaving millions without electricity as the US continues its blockade.

Speaking shortly after at the UN hall, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov echoed the Chinese stance, urging Washington to lift the "siege" of Cuba and restrictions on trade with the Caribbean's largest island. Lavrov also suggested that the US should remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. Cuba's aging power generation system has been struggling due to fuel shortages and outdated infrastructure for years, but a US-imposed oil blockade that began in January has exacerbated blackouts and frequent grid failures.

Han also used the speech to present China as a dependable ally on the global stage and a staunch defender of developing nations. "China holds that all countries, big or small, are equal members of the international community, and that world affairs should be handled by all through consultation," said Han.