China says wider US sanctions on Cuba are ‘Illegal’

Tuesday 05 May 2026 - 12:30

China has strongly criticized the United States over its decision to broaden sanctions against Cuba, calling the measures “illegal” and inconsistent with international law. Beijing urged Washington to immediately end its decades-long embargo on the island.

Response to US policy shift

The reaction comes after the United States introduced expanded sanctions targeting the Cuban government, increasing pressure on Havana through new restrictions affecting individuals, entities, and foreign partners. The move is part of a broader US strategy to intensify economic pressure on Cuba.

Chinese officials stated that the sanctions violate basic norms of international relations and represent unilateral coercive measures that harm Cuba’s development rights and economic stability.

China’s position on Cuba

Beijing reiterated its support for Cuba, describing the sanctions as harmful to the Cuban population and its economic future. Chinese authorities argued that such measures undermine sovereignty and create unnecessary tensions in global diplomacy.

China also called for the full lifting of the embargo, emphasizing that long-term restrictions have negatively affected Cuba’s access to development opportunities and international cooperation.

Growing geopolitical tensions

The dispute reflects wider tensions between major global powers over sanctions policy and influence in Latin America and the Caribbean. Cuba remains a long-standing point of disagreement in US-China relations, with Beijing consistently opposing unilateral sanctions imposed by Washington.