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US Imposes New Sanctions on Cuba and Chinese Firms; Beijing Vows Retaliation
US Imposes New Sanctions on Cuba and Chinese Firms; Beijing Vows Retaliation
The United States has expanded its economic pressure on Cuba by imposing new sanctions on eight firms and two individuals, including Chinese entities accused of supplying military components. Beijing responded with sharp criticism, labeling the measures unlawful and vowing to protect its companies' interests, while Havana dismissed the actions as a futile attempt to strangle its economy.
The United States has imposed new economic restrictions on Cuba, marking the twelfth escalation of pressure against the island nation this year. The measures target two individuals and eight companies, including Chinese firms accused of facilitating the transport of oil and military equipment to or from the country.
The Treasury Department’s actions freeze assets within U.S. jurisdiction and prohibit American citizens from trading with the designated entities. Among those sanctioned are China National Electronics Import and Export Corporation (CEIEC) and Beijing H&C Technologies, which Washington alleges have supplied military components and equipment to Cuba. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described these Chinese suppliers as part of a "global coalition of hostile, anti-American actors."
The sanctions also extend to two shipping lines based in Cyprus and Panama, alongside Cuban state-owned enterprises Internacional Marítima and Petróleos Marítimos del Caribe (Petromarca), which are linked to the transport of crude oil and petroleum products. Additional targets include Cubaelectrónica, an importer of electronics and solar systems, and Tecnosime, a provider of technological services.
Beijing reacted swiftly and critically to the announcement. During a press conference on Friday, Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, condemned the "illegal sanctions," stating they lacked any basis in international law. "China firmly opposes U.S. interference in cooperation between China and Cuba and its disruption," Guo said, adding that Beijing would take all necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights of Chinese companies.
Cuban officials dismissed the new restrictions as ineffective. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez criticized the administration’s persistent efforts to cripple the economy, noting that the UN General Assembly had just voted overwhelmingly for the 34th time to condemn the blockade. "Washington will continue to fail in its attempts to subjugate the island," Rodríguez stated.
The diplomatic fallout was visible at the 30th Ibero-American Summit in Madrid. While ministers from Brazil, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Uruguay reaffirmed their support for Cuba and rejection of the blockade, representatives from Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Paraguay distanced themselves from a summit declaration that opposed measures violating international law.
The escalation follows recent executive orders and an oil blockade imposed since January. Despite protests by U.S. citizens in cities including Boston, Chicago, and Miami against the administration’s Cuba policy, the Trump government has maintained its hardline stance, framing the sanctions as necessary responses to regional instability.
L.Nguyen--SFF
