Russia and China Express Support for Cuba and Venezuela Amid U.S. Pressure

In a strong show of support for their Latin American allies, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have declared their intent to continue cooperation with Cuba and Venezuela, despite escalating pressures from the United States government.

This declaration came during a high-level videoconference held on Wednesday, where the two leaders also discussed international matters, with a particular focus on Iran and the strategic significance of their alliance in today's global landscape.

Firm Rejection of U.S. Pressure and Endorsement of Allies

During the meeting, the situation in Venezuela and Cuba was a key topic, with both leaders agreeing on the importance of maintaining the current level of cooperation with these nations, even in the face of sanctions and threats from Washington.

According to Russian presidential advisor Yuri Ushakov, who spoke to EFE, the leaders shared insights on the circumstances surrounding Venezuela and Cuba, expressing a shared commitment to uphold the cooperation achieved with Caracas and Havana.

For decades, Cuba and Venezuela have been subjected to economic sanctions, diplomatic pressures, and even military threats from the United States.

Putin was unequivocal in emphasizing that “the alliance in foreign policy between Moscow and Beijing remains a crucial stabilizing factor amidst the world's growing volatility.” Xi Jinping added that “the international situation has become increasingly turbulent,” emphasizing the need for China and Russia to work together to maintain global strategic stability.

Denunciation of U.S. Unilateral Actions

In addition to reinforcing their commitment to Havana and Caracas, Putin and Xi condemned the unilateral actions taken by the United States.

During their dialogue, Putin highlighted that “strategic cooperation between Russia and China serves our peoples' fundamental interests and contributes to international stability,” as reported by Telesur.

Regarding Cuba, the leaders criticized Trump's new measures, including the January 29 executive order that bans selling or supplying oil to the island, which the Cuban government has labeled as a hostile act.

Expanding Geopolitical Axis

Against the backdrop of the Latin American situation, Xi and Putin sent a crystal-clear message: neither Venezuela nor Cuba will face isolation as long as Moscow and Beijing maintain their support.

Advisor Ushakov noted that both leaders reiterated “their willingness to continue working as major powers towards a more balanced international order.”

In a world increasingly defined by bloc confrontations, the Russia-China axis strengthens its influence with a message of sovereignty, multilateralism, and strategic cooperation.

For Cuba and Venezuela, this backing translates into a support network against Washington's pressures and a bid to counter the economic and diplomatic isolation imposed by the White House.

Strategic Alliance and Multipolarity

During the videoconference, Putin and Xi celebrated 25 years of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, the legal cornerstone of their bilateral relationship.

Both reaffirmed their partnership as “strategic, stable, and structural,” announcing plans to develop a new comprehensive cooperation strategy.

Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of strengthening strategic cooperation and moving forward in the right direction of bilateral development, as reported by Telesur.

The Chinese leader also called for “shouldering joint responsibilities as major powers in building a more balanced international order.”

Putin, on his part, described the alliance with China as an “exemplary model of cooperation between major powers,” underscoring the importance of coordination in multilateral forums such as the UN, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Economic, Educational, and Cultural Dimensions of the Russia-China Bond

Beyond politics, Putin highlighted that bilateral trade has exceeded $200 billion for the third consecutive year, with joint projects in key areas like peaceful nuclear energy, aerospace industry, artificial intelligence, high technology, and scientific research.

Russia remains China's primary energy supplier, facilitated by the Power of Siberia pipeline, and agreements have been secured to boost annual natural gas supply to 44 billion cubic meters.

The agricultural trade has also grown by more than 20% in the past year.

Putin detailed the celebration of over 400 binational cultural events in 2025, noting that more than 56,000 Chinese students are currently studying in Russia, while over 21,000 young Russians are enrolled in Chinese universities.

The Russian leader expressed gratitude for the implementation of a reciprocal visa exemption regime, allowing stays of up to 30 days for tourism, business, and academic activities.