# Diplomatic tensions at UN General Assembly > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/diplomatic-tensions-at-un-general-assembly > Updated: 2026-09-30T16:21:55.000Z. Sources: 117. Developments: 4. During the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng intensified criticism of United States foreign policy, calling on the ‘relevant country’ to immediately cease threats against Cuba and fully lift the existing blockade and sanctions. Han emphasized that the sovereignty and security of Middle Eastern nations must be respected and advocated for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue. These remarks highlight ongoing friction despite recent discussions between President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump regarding artificial intelligence and tariffs. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla previously denounced the U.S. energy blockade as an ‘act of war’ and ‘collective punishment’ that has exacerbated the island's humanitarian crisis, including electrical grid collapses. This crisis has been worsened by U.S. tariffs on crude oil suppliers and the cessation of petroleum aid from Venezuela. In subsequent developments, China pledged to support Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty as the two nations mark 66 years of diplomatic relations. This commitment follows President Trump describing Cuba as an ‘absolutely failed state’ and a ‘haven for foreign adversaries.’ A January 2026 executive order by Trump declared Havana’s policies an ‘unusual and extraordinary threat’ to U.S. national security due to its alignment with Russia, China, and Iran. The economic situation in Cuba remains critical, marked by food and fuel shortages. The crisis has been compounded by the halt of oil deliveries from Mexico and Venezuela; Venezuela ceased shipments following a U.S. military operation that removed President Nicolas Maduro in January, while Mexico paused deliveries due to threats of U.S. tariffs. ## Claims - Han Zheng called on the relevant country to immediately cease threats of force against Cuba and fully lift the blockade and sanctions. (corroborated by 19 sources) - Chinese Vice President Han Zheng stated that major powers must take responsibility for international peace and security. (corroborated by 17 sources) - China stated that the sovereignty and security of Middle Eastern countries, including the Gulf, must be respected. (corroborated by 16 sources) - U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue stated that President Trump warned Xi Jinping against supporting Iran and received assurances that China would not do so. (corroborated by 15 sources) - Cuba's electrical grid experienced a total collapse earlier this month, causing widespread blackouts. (corroborated by 12 sources) - Reports suggest that China has supplied Iran with portable anti-aircraft missile systems. (corroborated by 11 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-30: China pledges support for Cuba amid US pressure China has vowed to support Cuba's sovereignty following US President Donald Trump's warnings of ‘fundamental change’ for the island amid Cuba's severe economic and energy crisis. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-pledges-support-for-cuba-amid-us-pressure ### 2026-09-27: China calls for end to U.S. sanctions against Cuba at UN At the UN General Assembly, China's Vice President Han Zheng called for the immediate lifting of U.S. sanctions and the blockade against Cuba to address the island's worsening energy crisis. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-calls-for-end-to-us-sanctions-against-cuba-at-un ### 2026-09-25: China urges end to Cuba blockade at UN General Assembly At the UN, China's Han Zheng called for lifting the Cuba blockade and respecting Middle East sovereignty, while President Trump expressed confidence in a diplomatic deal with Cuba over military action. 105 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/benjamin-netanyahu-addresses-un-general-assembly-amid-protests ### 2026-09-25: China and Pakistan call for diplomacy at UN General Assembly At the UN General Assembly, China's Han Zheng and Pakistan's Shehbaz Sharif called for diplomatic solutions to Middle East conflicts, emphasizing a two-state solution for Palestine and secure global trade. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-and-pakistan-urge-diplomacy-at-un-general-assembly --- Cite as: Diplomatic tensions at UN General Assembly. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/diplomatic-tensions-at-un-general-assembly