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China vows to ‘do what it can’ as US blockade leaves Cuba with just weeks of oil
Beijing pledges continued support for Cuba and champions Havana’s sovereignty as the island grapples with worsening fuel shortages
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Igor Patrickin Rio de Janeiro
China will support Cuba “in the best way possible” as the island grapples with an energy crisis following tougher measures imposed by US President Donald Trump’s administration, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday.
Speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China “will do what it can” to assist Havana and again condemned what he described as “inhumane actions that deprive the Cuban people of their right to survival and development”.
When pressed on specific measures, however, Lin declined to confirm any concrete programme, saying the next moves would “depend on bilateral consultations” with Havana.
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The remarks reinforce positions adopted by Beijing in recent days as Cuba’s energy situation has deteriorated rapidly.
On Tuesday, Lin signalled political backing for the government of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, saying China opposes “external interference” in the island’s affairs.
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China’s support comes as Cuba faces a critical fuel shortage after the United States blocked shipments of Venezuelan oil.
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