China says US should stop 'threats' against Cuba after ex-leader charged
BBC • • general
Key Points:
- China has urged the US to stop using "coercion" and "threats" against Cuba following the indictment of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro on murder charges related to the 1996 downing of two planes.
- Raúl Castro, 94, was charged with conspiracy to kill US nationals in connection with the shooting down of two planes operated by the Cuban-American group Brothers to the Rescue, which resulted in four deaths.
- Chinese officials condemned the US actions as political pressure and supported Cuba, calling on Washington to cease sanctions and judicial measures against the island nation.
- The US has increased pressure on Cuba with new sanctions, including a blockade on oil imports, contributing to blackouts and food shortages, while President Trump has targeted Cuban officials in various sectors with sanctions.
- Cuba's president Miguel Díaz-Canel dismissed the charges against Castro as politically motivated and lacking legal basis, highlighting ongoing tensions between Washington and Havana.