China calls for lifting of new US sanctions on Cuba

Cuban people attend a rally to express their determination to protect the revolution and national sovereignty in the capital Havana. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

According to Sputnik, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on July 23 that China strongly opposes new US sanctions imposed on Cuba.

Speaking at a regular press conference, spokesman Zhao Lijian stated: "China supports the efforts of the Cuban government and people to ensure social stability. We firmly oppose any country using the so-called banners of 'freedom', 'democracy' and 'human rights' to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, impose unilateral sanctions, or plot to pressure or harm other countries."

The Chinese diplomat stressed that the US should first study its own human rights issues in detail, instead of imposing sanctions and crudely interfering in the internal affairs of other countries.

"The United States should immediately lift unilateral sanctions against Cuba, in accordance with the purposes of the United Nations Charter and basic norms of international relations, make more efforts to improve US-Cuba relations, and promote international and regional stability," Zhao Lijian said.

Previously, the US government, based on the "Magnitsky Act", imposed sanctions on the special forces of the Cuban Ministry of the Interior, as well as on the Cuban Minister of Defense - General Alvaro Lopez Miera.

The new sanctions include a ban on entry to the US and a freeze on any assets of those on the sanctions list.

The Washington administration has previously said it does not rule out imposing sanctions on representatives of the Cuban government, who it says are responsible for the recent crackdown on protests.

According to Vietnam+