China's Vice President Han Zheng demanded the US end its blockade on Cuba and respect Iran's sovereignty at the UN. The remarks, made at the UN General Assembly, highlighted growing geopolitical tensions and China's stance on international law.
China's UN Address Criticizes US Policies
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng called on Saturday for the United States to immediately lift its blockade on Cuba and respect the sovereignty of Iran, in remarks delivered at the UN General Assembly.
Han did not mention the US by name but referred to it as the ‘relevant country’ in his speech, which also emphasized China’s stance on Middle Eastern sovereignty and global development priorities.
Key Developments
1. China’s UN Speech Criticizes US Policies
Han stated that ‘major countries should have special responsibilities for safeguarding international peace and security’ and urged adherence to international law. He specifically called for respecting the sovereignty and security of countries in the Middle East, including the Gulf, and immediately ending threats against Cuba.
2. US-China Tensions on Iran and Cuba
The remarks followed reports of Chinese support for Iran, including the supply of shoulder-fired air-defense missile launchers and assistance in evading sanctions on Iranian oil sales. The US has accused China of undermining sanctions enforcement, though Chinese officials have not confirmed these claims.
Context and Reactions
China’s Position on Iran and Cuba
Han’s speech highlighted China’s alignment with Iran and Cuba, both of which have faced US pressure campaigns. He framed the US actions as threats to sovereignty, stating: ‘China urges the relevant country to immediately stop using the threat of force against Cuba and immediately and completely lift the blockade and sanctions against Cuba.’
US-China Diplomatic Relations
The speech came one day after Chinese President Xi Jinping met with US President Donald Trump in Washington, where the two leaders attended a state dinner and military flyovers. During those talks, Trump warned Xi against supporting Iran, and the US ambassador to China later reported receiving assurances that China would not provide such support.
Broader UN Assembly Dynamics
Han’s remarks were part of a broader Russian-Chinese alignment at the UN, with both nations criticizing US actions in Iran and Cuba. Russia’s foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, also sided with Iran in his UN speech, further underscoring the divergence between Western and Eastern bloc positions.
China’s Global Development Agenda
Beyond geopolitical tensions, Han’s speech prioritized global development, calling for an open international environment and cooperation to raise living standards worldwide. He highlighted China’s economic growth and social stability as models for other nations, though he did not directly address Taiwan, a recurring point of contention in past UN speeches.
Policy Implications
US Sanctions and Enforcement
The US has maintained a long-standing embargo on Cuba and has escalated pressure on Iran, including military strikes and sanctions enforcement. Reports of Chinese assistance to Iran have intensified US scrutiny, though China has not publicly acknowledged these claims.
China’s Diplomatic Strategy
Han’s speech reflected China’s broader strategy of positioning itself as a defender of sovereignty and multilateralism, particularly in contrast to US foreign policy. The absence of direct criticism of the US in the speech—despite the sharp policy disagreements—suggests a calibrated approach to avoid further escalation.
International Response
The Cuban delegation walked out of the UN General Assembly after Trump’s speech, in which he called Cuba a ‘failed state’ and vowed to seek ‘fundamental change’ in the country. Cuba’s electrical grid has faced repeated collapses, which it attributes to the US blockade.
Conclusion
Han’s speech underscored China’s vocal opposition to US policies in Iran and Cuba while maintaining a diplomatic tone. The contrasts between the warm Washington meetings and the critical UN remarks highlight the complexity of US-China relations, where cooperation and confrontation coexist.