China has expressed firm support for Cuba in defending its sovereignty and national dignity, while criticising what it described as external interference, following recent US legal action against Cuban leader Raúl Castro.
Speaking at a regular press briefing on Thursday, May 21, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun addressed questions regarding Washington’s latest accusations against Castro, which Havana has strongly rejected. Guo reiterated Beijing’s consistent opposition to unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law or authorisation from the United Nations Security Council.
“We firmly oppose the abuse of judicial means and the exertion of pressure on Cuba under any pretext by external forces,” Guo said.
He further called on the United States to cease what he described as the habitual use of sanctions and legal mechanisms against Cuba, as well as to refrain from threatening the use of force. “The United States should stop brandishing sanctions or judicial proceedings at Cuba and stop resorting to the threat of force at every turn,” he added.
The remarks came in response to developments announced on May 21, when the US Department of Justice revealed that it had unsealed a superseding indictment against Raúl Modesto Castro Ruz, 94, from Holguín, Cuba. The charges are linked to the February 24, 1996, shoot-down of two unarmed US civilian aircraft operated by the group Brothers to the Rescue over international waters.
The indictment also names several co-defendants: Lorenzo Alberto Perez-Perez, Emilio José Palacio Blanco, José Fidel Gual Barzaga, Raul Simanca Cardenas, and Luis Raul Gonzalez-Pardo Rodriguez.
By Tamilla Hasanova
