On Wednesday, the Chinese government voiced its support for Cuba in response to the latest round of sanctions imposed by the United States. Speaking from Beijing, Lin Jian, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reiterated China's backing of Havana, condemned any "external interference," and urged Washington to lift the embargo and cease its coercive measures against the island, as reported by Xinhua News.
The comments came just two days after the Trump administration announced a new set of sanctions targeting 10 entities linked to Cuba's state apparatus, including the Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR), the Maritime Port Transport Business Group (GEMAR), and the Foreign Trade Business Group (GECOMEX), along with the Territorial Troops Militia and the Rapid Response Brigades.
This marks the eighth round of sanctions the White House has enacted against Cuba in 2026 alone. The Trump administration has implemented over 240 measures since January, under Executive Order 14404, signed on May 1.
China's Stance on U.S. Embargo
During a press conference, Lin Jian described the U.S. embargo as "illegal," asserting that its consequences have a direct impact on the Cuban population.
"The United States has enforced a comprehensive blockade and illegal sanctions against Cuba for over 60 years, causing significant suffering to the Cuban people. More recently, it has intensified its blockade and sanctions, severely affecting the basic livelihood of Cubans and raising widespread concern in the international community," he stated.
The spokesperson also urged Washington to reconsider its policy towards the island.
"The United States should heed the just voices of the international community, immediately end its blockade and coercive pressure against Cuba, and stop infringing on the Cuban people's right to livelihood and development," he declared.
Beijing's Consistent Support
The Chinese government's reaction aligns with a longstanding pattern of support for the Cuban regime. In May, Lin Jian publicly defended Raúl Castro following U.S. criminal charges against him. Shortly after, on July 9, the Chinese ambassador in Havana reiterated Beijing's confidence that Cuba will "achieve its development."
This support has also manifested in economic aid. In January 2026, President Xi Jinping authorized an emergency assistance package valued at $80 million, along with the shipment of between 60,000 and 90,000 tons of rice to help alleviate the island's food crisis.
China has emerged as Cuba's primary trading partner since 2017. In recent years, the Cuban regime has intensified its reliance on Chinese investments as an alternative to the tightening U.S. sanctions, including negotiations for tourism projects like the development of the Copacabana Hotel in Havana.
Havana's Response
Following the announcement of new sanctions, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez labeled the measures as "criminal and genocidal," accusing Washington of continuing to "strengthen the war against the Cuban people, their living conditions, and their livelihoods."
China's position is also consistently reflected in international forums. Since 1992, Beijing has voted in favor of all United Nations General Assembly resolutions calling for the end of the U.S. embargo. In the most recent vote held in 2024, the resolution received 187 votes in favor and only two against: the United States and Israel.
Understanding the Impact of U.S. Sanctions on Cuba
What are the new U.S. sanctions against Cuba?
The new U.S. sanctions target 10 entities linked to Cuba's state apparatus, including organizations such as the Ministry of Tourism and the Maritime Port Transport Business Group, among others.
How has China supported Cuba economically?
China has supported Cuba with an emergency assistance package valued at $80 million and provided between 60,000 and 90,000 tons of rice to help address the island's food crisis.
Why does China oppose the U.S. embargo on Cuba?
China opposes the U.S. embargo as it views it as illegal and believes it causes significant suffering to the Cuban people, urging the U.S. to end its coercive measures.