Cuba and China Condemn New US Sanctions Targeting Two Chinese Firms

Cuban state outlet Granma reports that the US State Department announced measures on Thursday against ten individuals and entities, including Cuban state firms importing and exporting electronics and technical services, and the Chinese companies China National Electronic Import and Export Company (CEIEC) and Beijing H&C Technologies. TeleSUR says the two Chinese firms are accused of supplying military equipment to Cuba. Granma adds that the Treasury's OFAC issued a resolution authorizing sanctions on foreigners operating in Cuba's manufacturing, technology, electronics and maritime sectors.

TeleSUR reports that Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez on Saturday denounced the “extraterritorial and illegal nature” of the sanctions, saying they fall “outside the laws governing international trade.” Granma quotes him saying the US “will continue to fail” in its attempt to make Cuba submit to its designs.

According to Granma, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday that China-Cuba cooperation is “completely legitimate and transparent.” Beijing opposes unilateral sanctions lacking a basis in international law or UN Security Council authorization and will take necessary measures to protect Chinese companies' rights, he said. These are claims made by the sources; TeleSUR is funded by the Venezuelan government and Granma is a Cuban state outlet.