China told Cuba it will defend the island's sovereignty and oppose 'unwarranted interference by external forces' during talks between their foreign ministers in Beijing. Chinese officials, including Wang Yi and Liu Haixing, pledged support and emphasized longstanding friendly ties between the two socialist states. The meetings come as tensions rise in the region after reported actions involving Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and U.S. measures restricting oil shipments to Cuba. The visit highlights growing U.S.-China rivalry in Latin America, including competition over strategic ports near the Panama Canal.
China Pledges Support for Cuba, Condemns 'External Interference' During Cuban FM's Beijing Visit
FILE PHOTO: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla shake hands before their meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China May 12, 2025. REUTERS/Florence Lo/Pool/File Photo
BEIJING, Feb 5 — China reiterated its commitment to defend Cuba's sovereignty and security while opposing what it called 'unwarranted interference by external forces,' Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a meeting with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez.
Wang told Rodríguez that Beijing was ready to 'provide support and assistance to the best of our ability,' citing 'complex and profound changes' across Latin America, according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry.
The Chinese remarks follow heightened tensions in the region after reports involving Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and as the United States has taken measures affecting Cuba, including moves to restrict oil shipments to the island. Beijing emphasized its long-standing ties with Havana, describing the relationship as one of 'special friendly relations' between socialist countries governed by communist parties.
In a separate meeting, Liu Haixing, a senior Chinese Communist Party official, told Rodríguez, 'Although we are on different continents, our hearts have always been closely connected.' Liu added that China 'supports Cuba in opposing foreign interference and blockage.'
Beijing's official summaries of the meetings did not explicitly name the United States when reporting Liu's or Wang's remarks.
The visit comes amid intensifying U.S.-China rivalry in Latin America, including competition over strategic ports near the Panama Canal—an arena Beijing has increasingly engaged in as it expands diplomatic and economic ties across the region.
Reporting by Xiuhao Chen and Ryan Woo; editing by Bernadette Baum and Alex Richardson.
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