China's Vice President Han Zheng has pushed back against the United States in his speech at the UN General Assembly, calling for respect for the sovereignty of countries in the Gulf and an end to the US blockade on Cuba. Han did not mention the US by name in his remarks, but his comments stood in contrast to the friendly meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping earlier this week. Han emphasized that major countries have special responsibilities for safeguarding international peace and security.
Han's comments on Cuba were echoed by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who called on Washington to lift the "siege" of Cuba and restrictions on trade with the island. The US has launched a pressure campaign on Cuba that has largely blocked oil from reaching the island, causing frequent power outages and grid collapses. Cuba's electrical grid suffered a total collapse earlier this month, plunging the nation into darkness and leaving millions without power.
The US has also been involved in a conflict with Iran, which started with US-Israeli strikes in February. Han called for respect for the sovereignty and security of countries in the Middle East, including the Gulf. Trump warned Xi against providing support to Iran during their meeting in Washington, and received assurances that China would not do so, according to the US ambassador to China.
Han portrayed China as a reliable partner on the global stage and a steadfast defender of developing nations. He said that all countries, big or small, are equal members of the international community, and that world affairs should be handled through consultation. China's relations with Ghana and other African countries have been strengthened in recent years, with a focus on deepening strategic partnerships.
The conflict between the US and Iran has been a major concern for the international community, with the US imposing sanctions on Iran and Iran finding ways to evade them with Chinese help. Han's speech was seen as a response to the US pressure campaign on Cuba and Iran. The G7 has also called on Iran to end its support for the Houthis in Yemen.
The US blockade on Cuba has been in place for several years, but has been tightened in recent months, causing severe shortages of fuel and other essential goods. The blockade has been widely condemned by other countries, including China and Russia. Han's call for an end to the blockade was supported by Lavrov, who said that it was essential to lift the "siege" of Cuba.
The speech by Han Zheng at the UN General Assembly highlights the ongoing tensions between China and the US on several key issues, including Cuba, Iran, and the Middle East. The two countries have been engaged in a complex and often contentious relationship, with both sides seeking to promote their interests and values.
Key points
- China urges US to lift blockade on Cuba
- China calls for respect for sovereignty of countries in Gulf
- US and China have differing views on Iran and Cuba
