Coverage Comparison

Russia and China have reaffirmed their support for Cuba's government amid ongoing US sanctions and diplomatic pressure. During a visit to Havana, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov met with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and other senior officials, expressing Moscow's solidarity with the Cuban government and people. The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the US economic, trade, and financial blockade and energy embargo, and called for Cuba's removal from the US State Department's list of state sponsors of terrorism, as reported by TASS.

China has also voiced strong support for Cuba's sovereignty. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a briefing that China firmly opposes external interference and the use of military force against Cuba, responding to US media reports suggesting possible American military operations. Another spokesperson, Mao Ning, called on the US government to "immediately cease its blockade, sanctions and any form of coercion and pressure against Cuba," according to the South China Morning Post.

Ryabkov's visit, which took place on April 9, included political consultations with Cuban First Deputy Foreign Minister Gerardo Penalver Portal and Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, as well as meetings with President Diaz-Canel, Deputy Prime Minister Oscar Perez-Oliva, and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, per TASS.

Key Claims

  • US blockade as a cause of Cuba's difficulties: Multiple sources, including TASS and the South China Morning Post, report that Cuba is experiencing difficulties due to the US blockade. Russian officials describe it as illegal and a form of unilateral coercion.
  • Russian economic support for Cuba: Ryabkov stated that economic issues were a main topic of discussion during his meetings. He confirmed Russia is providing energy support, including oil supplies, to help stabilize Cuba's energy system. He noted that a shipment of oil had already arrived, and hinted at further assistance.
  • China's emergency aid package: The South China Morning Post reported that Chinese leader Xi Jinping approved an emergency aid package for Cuba in January, including $80 million for electrical equipment and a donation of 60,000 tonnes of rice.
  • China's opposition to external interference: Chinese officials have stated opposition to outside interference in Cuba's affairs and support for Cuba's sovereignty. This is reported by both TASS and the South China Morning Post.
  • Possible US military operations against Cuba: A claim reported by TASS, citing US media reports, suggests possible American military action against Cuba. China has strongly opposed such a possibility. This claim is carried by a single outlet and not independently verified.
  • Russia's commitment to the Western Hemisphere: Ryabkov was quoted as saying, "Russia has no plans to walk away from the western hemisphere, no matter what Washington might say," indicating continued engagement in the region despite US pressure.

Temporal Context

This coverage comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and Cuba, with the blockade in place for decades. The recent visits and statements suggest a coordinated response from China and Russia to counter US influence in the region.