U.S. Sanctions Cuba's Military Envoy in Beijing Over China Procurement

The United States has imposed sanctions on Cuba's top military official in Beijing, Waldo Perez Cortes, alleging his involvement in procuring military equipment from China for the Cuban armed forces. Perez Cortes, serving as Cuba's military, naval, and air attache in the Chinese capital, was among six Cuban nationals and five entities designated under the U.S. Treasury Department's Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list.

The U.S. State Department identified Perez Cortes as an official within Cuba's Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR). While the department confirmed his alleged role in the procurement of military-related goods from China, it did not provide specific details regarding the equipment, the Chinese suppliers involved, or the nature of the transactions.

This action adds Perez Cortes and several Cuban entities to existing U.S. sanctions. Two other officials already under sanctions were also designated under new Cuba-related authorities. Cuban state media, Prensa Latina, has identified Perez Cortes as a senior colonel holding the position of military, naval, and air attache in Beijing.