China defends 'open and legitimate' cooperation with Cuba after U.S. sanctions

China has strongly defended its "open and legitimate" cooperation with Cuba, urging the United States to lift its sanctions and blockade against the island nation. The defense comes after Washington imposed new measures against Cuban entities and officials, citing their military ties with countries including China and Russia.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded to the U.S. sanctions, recommending that Washington cease "pouring garbage time and again on others." Guo asserted that the collaboration between China and Cuba is "open, transparent, and legitimate." He added that China "will continue to firmly support Cuba in defending its national sovereignty and in its opposition to foreign interference."

The U.S. sanctions, announced last Thursday, target five state entities and eight Cuban officials, including the Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, Álvaro López Miera. Washington accuses them of facilitating military cooperation with U.S. adversaries and acquiring weaponry for Cuba's military. Among those sanctioned are Cuban military attachés in Russia and China, as well as executives from companies linked to Cuba's military sector.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Cuba uses its military and intelligence apparatus to spy on the United States and acts as a platform for adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran to conduct operations against the U.S. Beijing has previously defended its cooperation with Cuba as "legitimate and transparent" amid U.S. accusations regarding intelligence activities or military bases near U.S. territory. These sanctions are part of the Trump administration's increasing pressure on Cuba, exacerbating the island's economic and humanitarian crisis.

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China will continue to firmly support Cuba in defending its national sovereignty and in its opposition to foreign interference.