Q: The U.S. president signed an executive order on May 1 to expand sanctions against Cuba, accusing Cuba of continuing to constitute a threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. On the same day, the Cuban foreign minister said that the U.S.’s illegal and unilateral coercive measures are reprehensible and ridiculous, and that “they will not intimidate us.” What is China’s comment?

A: The U.S. intensification of illicit and unilateral sanctions against Cuba gravely infringes on the Cuban people’s right to subsistence and development and violates the basic norms in international relations. China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security, and opposes interference in Cuba’s internal affairs. We urge the U.S. to stop at once the blockade and sanctions as well as coercion and pressuring of any form against Cuba.