China Backs Cuba Against US Pressure

China has pledged strong support for Cuba against what it described as sustained pressure and threats from the United States, reaffirming its close alliance with Havana following renewed tensions between the two countries.

The decision was announced on Wednesday through its foreign ministry, responding to questions after Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel recently called for dialogue with Washington despite mounting geopolitical strain.

Chinese officials said they opposed external pressure on sovereign states and would stand firmly with Cuba in defending its independence and internal affairs.

“China firmly opposes coercive diplomacy and will resolutely support Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and opposing foreign interference,” foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a press briefing.

The statement comes as Cuba continues to grapple with a worsening energy crisis that has left the country struggling with fuel shortages and power disruptions since January, when the United States’ regional military actions disrupted Venezuela’s oil exports, a key supply source for Havana.

Cuban authorities have warned that the loss of external oil shipments has significantly strained the island’s already fragile energy system.

President Díaz-Canel, however, has maintained that Cuba will not yield to external pressure, insisting last week that his government remains open to dialogue with the United States while rejecting calls for political concessions.

Beijing and Havana have long maintained close political ties, with China consistently opposing the decades-long US trade embargo on Cuba and positioning itself as a key economic and diplomatic partner.

Tensions between Washington and Havana have intensified in recent months, with US officials warning Cuba over its political direction and economic partnerships, while also tightening measures affecting regional energy flows.

Despite the strain, limited oil shipments from Russia have continued to arrive in Cuba, offering partial relief as the country seeks alternative energy sources to cushion the impact of the crisis.