China Pushes Back Against Trump’s Threat to Expand Cuba Sanctions, Calling Them “Illegal and Unilateral”

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[Financial News] China has pushed back after United States President Donald Trump decided to expand sanctions on the Republic of Cuba, calling the move an "illegal and unilateral" sanction.
In a statement issued on May 5 local time in response to a reporter’s question, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China said that the United States’ move to further strengthen and enforce illegal and unilateral sanctions on the Republic of Cuba "seriously infringes on the Cuban people's rights to survival and development, and seriously violates the basic norms governing international relations."
The spokesperson added, "China firmly supports the Republic of Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security, and firmly opposes interference in Cuba's internal affairs." The spokesperson also urged the United States to "immediately end the blockade and sanctions against the Republic of Cuba, as well as all forms of coercion and pressure."
Earlier, on the 1st, President Trump signed an executive order that included expanded sanctions on the Republic of Cuba.
The sanctions target individuals and organizations involved in security-related support for the Cuban government, as well as those involved in corruption or serious human rights abuses. Government officials, agents, and supporters are also included. The measure also contains a "secondary sanctions" provision that would penalize third parties that conduct transactions with, or facilitate transactions for, sanctioned entities.
According to AFP and other foreign media outlets, Trump also raised the pressure level at an event in the State of Florida on the same day, saying, "Our military could take over Cuba almost immediately."
China has maintained close ties with the Republic of Cuba, a key member of the anti-U.S. bloc in LATAM, while consistently calling for the United States to lift its blockade of Cuba.
theknight@fnnews.com Jung Kyung-soo Reporter