On 5 May, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman commented on the further tightening of US sanctions against Cuba.

Journalists questioned the move by the US president, who on 1 May signed an executive order extending sanctions against Cuba on the grounds that the country continues to pose a threat to US national security and foreign policy. The Cuban foreign minister responded with harsh criticism, describing the unilateral US measures as illegal, absurd and ineffective.

The Chinese spokesman said that the tightening of unilateral sanctions by the US seriously violates the Cuban people's right to development and the basic norms of international relations. He stressed that China supports Cuba in safeguarding its sovereignty and security.

At the same time, he strongly opposed interference in Cuba's internal affairs and called on the United States to immediately end the blockade, sanctions and all forms of pressure.

CMG