Beijing says opposes US ‘sabotage’ of Cuba-China relations

On Friday, Beijing strongly condemned new US sanctions against Cuba, alleging they were designed to sabotage China's relationship with the island nation. The latest sanctions, announced by the US State Department on Thursday, target Cuba's oil and electronics industries, marking the first time Chinese companies have been included.

Two Chinese firms, the state-owned China National Electronic Import-Export Company (CEIEC) and private entity Beijing H&C Technologies, were singled out for supplying Cuba's military with electronics and security equipment. Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, vehemently opposed the sanctions, labeling them illegal and an example of the United States' long-arm jurisdiction.

Jiakun asserted that China firmly opposes US interference in and sabotage of China-Cuba cooperation, warning that Beijing would take all necessary measures to protect its businesses. Since January, Washington has imposed a series of devastating sanctions and an oil blockade on Cuba, severely damaging its economy and causing widespread blackouts and shortages of essential goods.

US President Donald Trump has hinted at a potential military intervention to overthrow Cuba's ruling Communist Party, while Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has urged Cubans to collaborate with US intelligence services. The list of sanctioned Chinese entities on Thursday also included Any Rodriguez Lastres, daughter of the head of Cuba's largest military-controlled business conglomerate, the Grupo de Administracion Empresarial SA (GAESA).