Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

China Pledges Assistance to Cuba as Fuel Shortages Worsen


(MENAFN) China on Tuesday said it would continue supporting Cuba amid rising concerns over worsening fuel shortages across the Caribbean nation, according to official remarks.

Speaking in Beijing, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson reaffirmed Beijing’s backing of Havana, saying, “China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding national security, sovereignty, and opposes external interference.”

The spokesperson added: “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 comments came a day after the United Nations voiced alarm over the “growing fuel shortages, and their impact on people” in Cuba, following warnings from US President Donald Trump that tariffs could be imposed on any country supplying oil to the island.

Since a US military operation on Jan. 3 targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro — a long-time ally of Cuba’s leadership — Washington has moved to tighten its stance toward Havana, according to reports.

In a late-January executive order, Trump labeled the Cuban government as posing “an unusual and extraordinary threat,” arguing that declaring a national emergency was necessary.

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