China pushes back against US on Iran, Cuba in UN speech

China rebuked the United States during its address at the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday, asserting that countries in the Gulf should uphold their sovereignty and urging the US to cease its threats against Cuba and lift its blockade. Vice President Han Zheng refrained from directly mentioning the US in his remarks. The US has been pressuring Cuba by largely halting oil supplies to the island, stemming from a US war on Iran that began with US-Israeli strikes in February.

Speaking at the UN, Han emphasized that major nations bear the responsibility of upholding international peace and security, adhering to the rule of law, and doing what is right. China maintains that the sovereignty and security of Middle Eastern nations, including those in the Gulf, must be respected. At a recent White House event, President Donald Trump had warned Xi against providing support to Iran, receiving assurances that China would refrain from doing so.

Reports state that Beijing had supplied Iran with air-defense missile launchers and that Tehran circumvented sanctions on its oil sales with Chinese assistance. Regarding Cuba, Han called on China to "immediately stop using threat of force against Cuba and immediately and completely lift the blockade and sanctions against Cuba."

Cuba's power grid collapsed entirely this month, plunging the nation into darkness and leaving millions without electricity, exacerbated by the US-imposed oil blockade since January, which has intensified blackouts and frequent grid failures due to fuel shortages and outdated infrastructure. Han also portrayed China as a dependable ally on the global stage and a staunch defender of developing nations, stating that all countries, regardless of size, are equal members of the international community and asserting that world affairs should be handled through consultation.