China Condemns US Sanctions on Cuba, Citing Forced Labor Excuse and Highlighting Medical Missions

China Condemns US Sanctions on Cuba, Citing Forced Labor Excuse

China has strongly criticized the United States for imposing sanctions on Cuba under the pretext of "forced labor," urging Washington to lift its blockade and sanctions against the island nation.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks on Wednesday, responding to the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's announcement last month. Rubio had announced the expansion of visa restrictions targeting Cuban officials allegedly linked to a program sending Cuban workers, particularly healthcare professionals, overseas.

These expanded restrictions target individuals and their immediate family members believed to be involved in the program, which Rubio described as "forced labor."

The decision has sparked concerns among Caribbean Community foreign ministers, who expressed their disapproval during a meeting with US Special Envoy for Latin America Mauricio Claver-Carone earlier this month. Several Caribbean leaders, including prime ministers, have criticized the US move, stating they would rather forfeit access to US soil than compromise healthcare for their citizens.

"The so-called forced labor has been used as a perfect excuse and tool for Washington to pursue hegemony and attack dissenting views," Mao stated at a daily news conference.

She emphasized that the US measures are an extension and escalation of its over 60-year-long sanctions and blockade against Cuba.

Mao cited Cuba's Director of the Central Medical Cooperation Unit Michael Cabrera Laza, who stated that over the past 60 years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cuba has sent over 600,000 medical personnel to over 60 countries. These professionals have provided medical services to over 230 million people and performed over 17 million surgeries, saving the lives of more than 12 million people.

Mao highlighted that Cuba's global medical missions and their services are welcomed by governments and people of Caribbean states.

China firmly opposes coercive diplomacy, the spokeswoman said, urging Washington to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.

She concluded by stating that the US should take concrete steps to improve its ties with Cuba and offer genuine assistance to the Caribbean states.