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China slams US ‘big stick’ over Castro charges and ‘unauthorised’ sanctions on Cuba
Beijing says it supports ‘Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and national dignity’ after charges over downed planes
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Meredith ChenPublished: 6:58pm, 21 May 2026Updated: 8:44pm, 21 May 2026China has condemned the United States for charging former Cuban leader Raul Castro, as the Trump administration escalates pressure on the island’s socialist government.
The US on Wednesday announced criminal charges against Castro over the 1996 downing of two civilian planes flown by Miami-based Cuban exiles. All four on board, including three American citizens, were killed in the incident.
China “firmly opposes” illegal unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law and are not authorised by the UN Security Council, foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Thursday.
00:58Trump vows to ‘take’ Cuba as island reels from total power cut linked to oil embargoGuo said China was against the “abuse of judicial proceedings” and opposed external forces pressuring Cuba under any excuse.Advertisement
“The United States needs to stop wielding the big stick of sanctions and judicial measures against Cuba, and stop threatening Cuba with force at every turn. China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and national dignity, and opposes external interference,” he said.
The indictment accuses Castro of ordering two small planes operated by the exile group Brothers to the Rescue to be shot down. Five Cuban military pilots were also charged by the US over taking part in the operation.
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Castro, now 94, was then head of Cuba’s armed forces and faced international condemnation over the crash.
The US has sought to exert increasing pressure on Cuba’s communist government in recent months. The announcement of the charges marks a major escalation in tensions between the long-time Cold War rivals.
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