China Urges US to End Blockade and Sanctions on Cuba, Promote Regional Peace

Strategic Insights -

China is urging the United States to end its blockade and sanctions on Cuba immediately, citing the country's contributions to international medical cooperation. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, expressed concerns over recent US visa restrictions on Cuban officials, which she described as a continuation of a decades-long campaign to isolate Cuba. According to Mao Ning, Cuba has sent over 600,000 medical workers to over 60 countries, providing medical services to over 230 million people and performing over 17 million operations and surgical interventions, saving the lives of over 12 million people.

Key Takeaways:

  • China is calling on the United States to end its blockade and sanctions on Cuba, citing the country's contributions to international medical cooperation.
  • The US State Department recently introduced visa restrictions on Cuban officials participating in the country's medical missions abroad.
  • Cuba has sent over 600,000 medical workers to more than 60 countries, providing medical services to over 230 million people and performing over 17 million operations and surgical interventions.
  • Cuba's international medical cooperation is welcomed by governments and peoples in Latin American and Caribbean countries, as well as African countries.
  • The US measures are described as a continuation of over 60 years of unpopular sanctions and blockade against Cuba.
  • China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, described the US actions as a "false pretext" and a "hegemonic tool" to suppress other countries.

Statistics:

  • Over 600,000 medical workers have been sent by Cuba to more than 60 countries.
  • These medical workers have provided services to over 230 million people.
  • They have performed over 17 million operations and surgical interventions.
  • These interventions have saved the lives of over 12 million people.
  • The US State Department has introduced visa restrictions on Cuban officials participating in medical missions abroad.

Sources:

  • State Council News - People's Republic of China - Beijing, 22 August (Xinhua)
  • People's Republic of China - State Council News
  • Xinhua