Full Breakdown
China and Russia Support Cuba Amid U.S. Pressure
4/11/2026, 8:42:59 AM
Diplomatic Backing from China and Russia
China and Russia have expressed strong support for Cuba's government as it faces increasing pressure from the United States. Following a visit to Havana by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China is prepared to collaborate with the international community to uphold Cuba's national sovereignty and security. She urged the U.S. to cease its blockade and sanctions against Cuba, which have intensified amid recent congressional visits to the island. In January, Chinese President Xi Jinping approved an emergency aid package for Cuba, which included $80 million for electrical equipment and 60,000 tonnes of rice.
U.S.-Cuba Normalization Conference
On March 14 and 15, the City University of New York hosted a U.S.–Cuba normalization conference titled “Cuba Under Siege: Strategies for Resistance and a United Response.” The conference featured activists who praised Cuba's intelligence capabilities and outlined an action plan focused on sustained street protests to lift the U.S. embargo. Participants included New York state officials and members of organizations such as the Democratic Socialists of America and Code Pink, who emphasized the need to defend the Cuban revolution. Notably, the discussions largely refrained from criticizing the Cuban government.
Activism and Solidarity Efforts
The conference highlighted various solidarity efforts, including support for humanitarian aid campaigns. Activists discussed leveraging the U.S. Department of Commerce's "drawdown" system to facilitate large-scale export licenses for humanitarian aid to Cuba. Gloria La Riva, a prominent organizer, noted the effectiveness of obtaining licenses for aid shipments, contrasting it with past practices of defying U.S. laws. The conference's commitment to an action plan suggests a proactive agenda aimed at dismantling the embargo against Cuba.
Criticism and Concerns
Critics have raised concerns about the implications of the conference and the involvement of organizations linked to the Cuban government. The presence of individuals associated with Cuban intelligence operations has sparked debate about the nature of the discussions and the potential for undermining U.S. sanctions. Some attendees, including those from the Cuban Institute of Friendship with Peoples, have been accused of promoting Cuban propaganda abroad. The conference's proceedings have led to questions regarding the appropriateness of hosting such events at a public university.
Conflicting Reports on U.S. Sanctions and Russia's Oil Exports
Amid these developments, reports indicate that the partial easing of U.S. sanctions has not resulted in increased oil shipments from Russia. Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service reported that logistical constraints and disruptions at key export infrastructure have hindered Russia's oil export volumes. In March, oil exports from Russian ports fell to 3.46 million barrels per day, down from 3.49 million in February. This decline coincided with intensified drone strikes by Ukraine on Russian oil facilities, raising questions about the effectiveness of U.S. sanctions and their impact on Russia's economy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “China is willing to work with the international community to firmly support Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security, and opposing external interference,” — Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson
- “Russia has no plans to walk away from the western hemisphere, no matter what Washington might say,” — Sergei Ryabkov, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister
- “Cuba is the force that unites us all.” — Rosemari Mealy, Former Black Panther
- “the question about whether Cuba is a dictatorship . . . is completely irrelevant.” — Danny Valdes, Democratic Socialists of America
This article reflects the ongoing geopolitical dynamics surrounding Cuba, emphasizing the support from China and Russia, the activism within the U.S., and the implications of U.S. sanctions on Russia's oil exports.
