00:20Tensions between Beijing and Washington have now erupted over the unfolding crisis in Cuba,
00:26and China's warning to the United States could hardly be more direct.
00:31At a foreign ministry press briefing, China's top diplomats demanded the U.S.
00:37immediately cancel all sanctions against Cuba and cease any form of coercion,
00:43saying the economic pressure violates international norms and harms the Cuban people.
00:48Chinese officials argue that unilateral measures like the decades-long U.S. blockade
00:54undermine sovereignty and basic global standards,
00:58insisting Cuba must be left alone to chart its own future.
01:02The call came as Beijing doubled down on its support for Havana.
01:06China's foreign ministry publicly backed Cuba's right to safeguard its national security and sovereignty,
01:13explicitly opposing what it described as foreign interference in Cuban affairs.
01:19This sharp rebuke to U.S. policy reflects broader geopolitical rivalries playing out far beyond the Caribbean.
01:27The backdrop to these diplomatic fireworks is a deepening crisis on the ground in Cuba itself.
01:33Since the U.S. tightened restrictions aimed at cutting off oil supplies,
01:38particularly following the capture of Venezuela's leader, the island has plunged into severe fuel shortages.
01:45Blackouts and rationing have disrupted everyday life, and airlines, including major international carriers,
01:52have suspended flights to Cuban cities as jet fuel runs low.
01:57The resulting chaos has ground tourism to a halt and stretched an already fragile economy to its limits.
02:04Chinese diplomats went further, framing Washington's actions not simply as policy choices, but as violations of international law.
02:13They criticized the U.S. for using the rhetoric of human rights to justify what they called illegitimate sanctions and
02:21interference.
02:22Beijing insists that sanctions should be lifted immediately,
02:26arguing that punitive measures have done more harm than good to Cuba's development and the well-being of its people.
02:33Such criticisms resonate with many nations that oppose the long-standing U.S. embargo.
02:39Amid mounting pressure on Havana, China has vowed continued support to alleviate Cuba's fuel and energy challenges.
02:48Officials in Beijing have expressed willingness to assist in ways that respect Cuba's sovereignty,
02:54including potential aid and cooperation to mitigate shortages.
02:58China's stance not only strengthens bilateral ties, but also signals Beijing's intent to fill the diplomatic and economic void left
03:08by Western pressure.
03:09This is part of a broader strategy to deepen influence in Latin America at a moment of heightened global competition.
03:16As global powers take opposing stances, Cubans find themselves caught in the geopolitical crossfire, with their future hanging in the
03:26balance.
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