China on Thursday expressed support for Cuba and urged the United States to stop using sanctions and legal pressure against the Caribbean nation following Washington’s indictment of former Cuban leader Raul Castro on murder charges.
The charges announced by the United States on Wednesday sparked speculation that President Donald Trump could intensify efforts against the communist government in Havana.
Responding to questions about the indictment during a press briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun criticised Washington’s approach towards Cuba.
He said, “The US side should stop brandishing the sanctions stick and the judicial stick against Cuba and stop threatening force at every turn.”
Guo added, “China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and national dignity and opposes external interference.”
Raul Castro, aged 94, is the younger brother of late Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, who led the 1959 communist revolution that transformed Cuba and shaped decades of tense relations with the United States.
US authorities accused Raul Castro over the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft operated by anti-Castro activists, an incident that killed four people.
American prosecutors also charged him with conspiracy to kill Americans and destruction of aircraft.
Trump described the indictment as “a very big moment” but downplayed suggestions of immediate further action against Cuba.
Cuba has faced worsening economic difficulties in recent months, with analysts linking the crisis partly to restrictions tied to the long-standing US oil blockade and sanctions regime.