Beijing backs Havana against U.S. blockade, pledging aid within its capacities.

On Wednesday, China reiterated its political support for Cuba amid widespread power outages on the island and ongoing U.S. oil blockade.

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Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing “firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security” and “resolutely opposes inhumane actions and behaviors that deprive the Cuban people of their right to subsistence and development.” Lin added that China “will provide support and assistance to Cuba within its capacities.”

When asked about possible concrete aid, including fuel supplies or financial support, Lin avoided detailing specific measures, noting that the content of any cooperation must be discussed with “the competent authorities” and handled “through bilateral channels.”

The remarks come as Cuba experiences generalized power outages linked to difficulties in its electricity system, and as Beijing renews calls for Washington to lift its 60-year blockade.

China has publicly urged the United States to “immediately end the blockade, sanctions and any form of coercive measures against Cuba.”

In recent weeks, the Chinese government announced shipments of food assistance, including a cargo of 90,000 tons of rice, along with an “emergency financial assistance” line worth US$80 million. In 2024, Beijing had already granted Cuba an additional US$100 million in aid.

Support was also reiterated at the diplomatic level during recent high-level meetings. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi voiced opposition to the “interference of external forces” during talks in Beijing with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez.

Rodriguez’s visit to the Chinese capital formed part of a broader tour aimed at securing backing from Havana’s traditional allies, as Cuba confronts economic and energy challenges intensified by the U.S. blockade.

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