Respect Gulf Sovereignty, Lift Cuba Blockade: China Calls Out US At UN

China pushed back against the United States at the UN General Assembly on Saturday, with Vice President Han Zheng calling for the sovereignty and security of Gulf countries to be respected and urging an unnamed country to end threats against Cuba and lift its blockade.

Han did not directly name the US, but his remarks came as Washington has increased pressure on Cuba by restricting oil supplies to the island.

“Major countries should have special responsibilities for safeguarding international peace and security, and they should take the lead in complying with the rules, upholding the rule of law, and doing what’s right,” Han said.

“China holds that the sovereignty and security of countries in the Middle East, including the Gulf, should be respected.”

His comments came days after Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Washington, where US President Donald Trump hosted him for a state dinner accompanied by military flyovers. Trump had warned Xi against supporting Iran during their talks, with the US ambassador to China saying Beijing assured Washington that it would not provide such support.

The remarks also followed reports that China had supplied Iran with shoulder-fired air-defence missile launchers and that Tehran had used Chinese assistance to circumvent sanctions affecting its oil exports.

On Cuba, Han directly called for an end to what Beijing describes as the US blockade.

“China urges the relevant country to immediately stop using the threat of force against Cuba and immediately and completely lift the blockade and sanctions against Cuba,” he said.

Cuba’s power grid suffered a total collapse earlier this month, leaving millions without electricity. The country’s ageing power infrastructure has faced years of strain from fuel shortages and deteriorating facilities, while US oil restrictions imposed in January have further intensified pressure on the energy system.

Han also used the speech to present China as a reliable partner for developing countries, saying all nations, regardless of size, are equal members of the international community.

“World affairs should be handled by all through consultation,” he said.