China: UN Support for Cuba Proves World Rejects US Sanctions

Istanbul (ANTARA) - The Chinese government has stated that the result of the United Nations General Assembly vote, supported by 136 countries, is proof that the unilateral and intimidatory measures of the United States against Cuba do not have the support of the international community.

"For more than 60 years, the US has imposed a cruel blockade and illegal sanctions against Cuba. Worse still, in recent months the US has further tightened these measures, triggering an energy crisis in Cuba," said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning at a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday.

Mao made the statement when asked for a response to the UN General Assembly’s decision on Tuesday to resume discussions on the US embargo against Cuba, despite Washington repeatedly pushing for the issue to be decided by a vote.

According to Mao, the US embargo against Cuba has "seriously violated the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms of international relations, violated Cuba’s right to survival and development, and caused great suffering to the Cuban people."

She said the result of the vote, with overwhelming majority support in the UN General Assembly, reflects the broad support of the international community for the Cuban people in safeguarding national sovereignty and opposing foreign interference and blockades.

"The result of the vote, with overwhelming majority support in the UN General Assembly, reflects the broad support of the international community for the Cuban people in safeguarding national sovereignty and opposing foreign interference and blockades. This is further proof that unilateral and intimidatory measures do not have support," she stated.

Mao added that the US should heed the call of the international community by immediately ceasing military threats, lifting the blockade and sanctions, and ending all forms of coercive measures and pressure against Cuba.