China has condemned the United States for its new tariff policy targeting countries that supply oil to Cuba, reaffirming Beijing’s support for Havana and opposing what it calls external interference in national sovereignty.
According to reports, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China stands with Cuba in defending its sovereignty and national security, and firmly rejects actions that deprive the Cuban people of their legitimate rights. Guo urged the United States to stop measures that undermine regional peace and stability and called for a halt to long-standing embargoes and sanctions.
The Chinese response came after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order allowing the imposition of tariffs on goods from any country that sells or supplies oil to Cuba. The directive, issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), designates the Cuban government as an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to U.S. national security and targets nations engaged in energy deals with Havana.
The U.S. move is part of broader pressure aimed at isolating Cuba economically following a U.S. action earlier this year that removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from power, effectively cutting off Venezuela’s oil shipments to the island nation. Mexico, historically a key supplier to Cuba, has paused oil deliveries amid complex geopolitical dynamics.
Chinese officials stressed that any attempt to impose tariffs or coercive measures is counterproductive and urged Washington to respect international law and sovereignty while seeking peaceful engagement on regional security issues.
