China Condemns US Legal Action Against Cuban Leader Raul Castro
(MENAFN) China on Wednesday criticized the United States over legal proceedings targeting former Cuban President Raul Castro, accusing Washington of using “judicial measures” to exert pressure on Havana and demanding an end to its economic blockade of the Caribbean nation.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed the matter during a regular press briefing in Beijing, describing Castro as a “highly respected Cuban leader” who is held in “high esteem” internationally.
Mao said Beijing had taken note of statements from Cuba’s president and foreign minister, who denounced Washington’s move as a “despicable political farce.”
“We stand against abusing judicial means and exerting pressure on Cuba, and firmly support Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and opposing external interference,” she said.
The Chinese spokesperson also called on the US government to lift its longstanding economic blockade and abandon other measures intended to pressure Cuba. She urged Washington to stop actions that, in Beijing’s view, undermine the Cuban population’s rights to survival and development.
China’s response came after a Florida court issued an arrest warrant for Castro, aged 95, in connection with the shooting down of two civilian aircraft in 1996. The planes were operated by Brothers to the Rescue, a Miami-based organization established by Cuban exiles.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on Monday that Castro had been charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder over the incident, which resulted in four deaths.
Castro led Cuba from 2008 until 2018 and was previously indicted by US federal authorities in May over the same case. The latest legal action has drawn renewed attention to tensions between Washington and Havana, as well as Beijing’s opposition to what it considers foreign interference in Cuba’s internal affairs.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed the matter during a regular press briefing in Beijing, describing Castro as a “highly respected Cuban leader” who is held in “high esteem” internationally.
Mao said Beijing had taken note of statements from Cuba’s president and foreign minister, who denounced Washington’s move as a “despicable political farce.”
“We stand against abusing judicial means and exerting pressure on Cuba, and firmly support Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and opposing external interference,” she said.
The Chinese spokesperson also called on the US government to lift its longstanding economic blockade and abandon other measures intended to pressure Cuba. She urged Washington to stop actions that, in Beijing’s view, undermine the Cuban population’s rights to survival and development.
China’s response came after a Florida court issued an arrest warrant for Castro, aged 95, in connection with the shooting down of two civilian aircraft in 1996. The planes were operated by Brothers to the Rescue, a Miami-based organization established by Cuban exiles.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on Monday that Castro had been charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder over the incident, which resulted in four deaths.
Castro led Cuba from 2008 until 2018 and was previously indicted by US federal authorities in May over the same case. The latest legal action has drawn renewed attention to tensions between Washington and Havana, as well as Beijing’s opposition to what it considers foreign interference in Cuba’s internal affairs.
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