Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel launched a strong accusation against the United States on Friday, claiming that the U.S. government is escalating its "imperialist aggression" towards Cuba. He emphasized that the island nation is gearing up to withstand "new provocations and threats."
Speaking at the Extraordinary Plenary Session of the Communist Party's Provincial Committee in Havana, Díaz-Canel remarked, "We are witnessing a period where imperialism is emboldened, setting its sights on Cuba with increasing aggressiveness that intensifies by the day."
The Cuban president singled out U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accusing them of spearheading a strategy aimed at "completely choking the island into submission."
"Faced with the imperialist aggression against Cuba, directly articulated by Trump, Rubio, and other spokespeople for that administration, we must be prepared, and indeed we are preparing," Díaz-Canel asserted.
He further argued that Washington's current policies are indicative of a "decadent imperial model" that resorts to violence, coercion, and deceit to uphold its global dominance. "When an empire is in decline, it becomes utterly irrational, and what one can expect from it is arrogance, hubris, blackmail, and coercive measures," he stated.
Díaz-Canel also criticized what he described as the "unveiling of the annexationist swarm" on social media, which he claimed applauds U.S. actions against Cuba. "What troubles the imperialists is Cuba's example—what Cuba can achieve without a blockade and the social accomplishments we've attained over 65 years," he declared.
The communist leader issued a stern warning to Trump and Rubio, asserting that the regime is ready to face any additional measures from the U.S. government "with courage and determination." He emphatically added, "Surrender will never be an option."
In the same speech, Díaz-Canel mentioned that Cuba is open to dialogue with the U.S. government, though he stressed that such discussions cannot occur under pressure.
His remarks come amidst worsening relations between Washington and Havana following the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, which led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores. The Cuban regime has consistently voiced its support for the former Venezuelan president and accuses the United States of preparing a similar scenario against Cuba.
Examining Cuba's Response to U.S. Policies
What actions has Díaz-Canel accused the U.S. of taking against Cuba?
Díaz-Canel has accused the U.S. of increasing its imperialist aggression towards Cuba, with a strategy led by Trump and Rubio aimed at completely choking the island into submission.
How is Cuba responding to the perceived threats from the United States?
Cuba is preparing to resist the perceived provocations and threats with courage and determination, emphasizing that surrender is not an option. The regime is also open to dialogue, but not under pressure.