China Pledges Cuba Support Amid Fuel Crisis

(MENAFN) China announced Tuesday it will extend assistance to Cuba as the island nation confronts mounting energy challenges, with officials in Beijing condemning external pressure on the Cuban government.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian addressed reporters, declaring: "China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding national security, sovereignty, and opposes external interference."

Lin further emphasized Beijing's stance, stating: "We firmly oppose any moves that deprive Cuban people of their rights to subsistence and development and (oppose) non-human behaviors. We will, as always, provide assistance and help to Cuba."

The commitment follows Monday warnings from the UN regarding "growing fuel shortages, and their impact on people" across Cuba, concerns intensified after US President Donald Trump threatened tariff action against nations supplying petroleum to the Caribbean state.

Washington's hardline posture toward Havana has escalated sharply since the Trump administration's January 3 military action targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a longstanding ally of Cuba's governing regime.

Late January saw Trump sign an executive order characterizing the Cuban government as "an unusual and extraordinary threat," with the directive asserting that emergency measures required formal declaration.

The diplomatic clash underscores deepening tensions over Cuba's economic survival amid intensifying US sanctions pressure.

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