China pledges support for Cuba amid US pressure

China has pledged to support Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions. This commitment comes as Beijing and Havana mark 66 years of diplomatic relations.

The pledge by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun follows recent statements by US President Donald Trump, who described Cuba as an ‘absolutely failed state’ and a ‘haven for foreign adversaries.’ In a January 2026 executive order, Trump declared Havana’s policies an ‘unusual and extraordinary threat’ to US national security, citing Cuba's alignment with Russia, China, and Iran.

Cuba is currently facing its most severe economic crisis in decades, characterized by food and fuel shortages and frequent power outages. The situation has been exacerbated by the cessation of oil deliveries from Venezuela and Mexico, which previously accounted for approximately 86% of Cuba’s crude oil imports. Venezuela halted shipments following a US military operation that removed President Nicolas Maduro in January, while Mexico paused deliveries due to threats of US tariffs on suppliers to Cuba.