China pushes back against US on Iran and Cuba in UN speech

Key Points:

• China, through Vice President Han Zheng at the UN General Assembly, emphasized respect for the sovereignty of Gulf countries and called on the "relevant country" to stop threatening Cuba and lift its blockade, indirectly criticizing the United States.
• Han highlighted the responsibility of major countries to uphold international peace, security, and the rule of law, contrasting with recent US-China diplomatic engagements where President Trump warned China against supporting Iran.
• China urged an immediate end to the US blockade on Cuba, linking it to the recent collapse of Cuba's electrical grid and ongoing fuel shortages exacerbated by US sanctions.
• Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov supported China's stance, calling on the US to lift its "siege" of Cuba, remove trade restrictions, and delist Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.
• Han portrayed China as a reliable global partner and defender of developing nations, advocating for equal participation of all countries in international affairs through consultation.