UN Debate: China Demands Immediate Lifting of Cuba Sanctions

Beijing, October 28: China has demanded that the United States immediately lift its economic blockade and the pressure it applies on Cuba. The call came from Fu Cong, China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Fu Cong made the demand on Tuesday during a UN General Assembly debate titled 'Ending the US economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba is imperative.'

He noted that US economic restrictions and unilateral sanctions have lasted more than 60 years and are still being expanded. Despite the General Assembly taking up the issue 34 times, the relevant resolution has not been carried out.

He said the situation exposes the struggles of the Cuban people and the dominant policy approach of the United States.

China declared that it stands with historical justice, shared human values and the principle of equality. It urged the international community to come together to protect Cuba's national dignity and sovereign equality, and to push for the removal of US sanctions.

Fu Cong also said that unilateral sanctions imposed without the consent of the UN Security Council have no international legal basis. Every country, he stressed, has the right to select its social system and development model, and the people of Cuba alone can determine their nation's future.

No country, he added, has the right to force its will on others, impose sanctions or make military threats.

China called on the global community to end, without delay, every sanction against Cuba, including those applied through other nations. It also asked for Cuba to be removed from the US list of countries that sponsor terrorism.

Beijing argued that these measures are vital to defending a UN-based international order and a global framework built on international law.