China urges US to immediately stop blockade, coercive pressure against Cuba

China urged the United States on Monday to immediately stop its blockade and coercive pressure against Cuba, and expressed firm support for Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and opposing external interference.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular news briefing following reports that Cuba has requested the United Nations General Assembly to convene a special session on the US blockade against Cuba.

"The United States has imposed a comprehensive blockade and illegal sanctions on Cuba for over 60 years, bringing profound suffering to the Cuban people," Mao noted. The US recently escalated its blockade and sanctions, seriously affecting Cuba's basic livelihoods and drawing high attention from the international community, she added.

"China consistently opposes illegal unilateral sanctions," Mao said. “We urge the US side to immediately stop the blockade and coercive pressure against Cuba, and stop infringing upon the Cuban people's rights to subsistence and development."

She added that China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding national sovereignty and opposing external interference, and stands ready to work with the international community to uphold international fairness and justice.