China opposes US sanctions on Cuban leaders

China on Friday strongly opposed moves by the United States to expand its blockade and sanctions against Cuba, urging Washington to immediately stop all forms of coercion and pressure against the Caribbean nation.

A Foreign Ministry spokesperson made the remarks after the US Treasury Department announced on Thursday that it had added Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, four other individuals, and five entities, including Cuba's Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, to the Specially Designated Nationals List.

The spokesperson said the US has doubled down on its blockade and sanctions against Cuba, going so far as to add Cuban leaders to its sanction list.

"That once again reveals the US' hegemonic and domineering behavior and bullying practices. China firmly opposes it," the spokesperson said.

Noting that a stable Cuba is what the international community wants to see, the spokesperson said any attempt to destabilize Cuba will ultimately backfire.

China urges the US to immediately stop its blockade against Cuba and all forms of coercion and pressure, and to stop infringing upon the Cuban people's rights to survive and thrive, the spokesperson said.

China will, as always, firmly support Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security, and opposing external interference, the spokesperson added.