China Rejects US Punishment of This Communist Nation as Illegal

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - China has openly urged the United States (US) to promptly end the embargo and sanctions against Cuba, which it deems to violate international norms.

In a statement on Tuesday (5/5/2026), China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted that the US move to expand sanctions against Cuba constitutes an unlawful unilateral action.

“The United States has intensified its illegal unilateral sanctions against Cuba,” the ministry stated, criticising the policy as one that “seriously violates” the basic norms of international relations, as reported by Reuters.

This statement comes after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday to broaden sanctions against the Cuban government.

Two White House officials told Reuters that the measure aims to ramp up pressure on Havana, following Washington’s previous ousting of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, long known as a close ally of Cuba.

China, which has supported the communist nation from the outset, has reaffirmed its stance amid escalating tensions between Washington and Havana since January.

In its statement, the Chinese government not only criticised but also directly called for a policy change from Washington. “China… urges the United States to immediately end the embargo and sanctions against Cuba as well as all forms of coercive pressure,” the statement continued.

Furthermore, Beijing views the policy as having a direct impact on Cuban society. China stated that the measures violate the Cuban people’s right to life and development, while worsening the country’s economic conditions amid international pressures.

“China supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security and firmly opposes interference in its internal affairs,” read the statement from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.