China Demands End to U.S. Blockade and Threats Against Cuba

China's Vice President Han Zheng, speaking at the UN General Assembly, called on the U.S. to immediately lift the blockade and sanctions against Cuba and stop using the threat of force against the island. This demand was echoed by several other Chinese officials and state media outlets. The U.S. has maintained an economic and commercial blockade against Cuba for over six decades, which has been recently reinforced with numerous coercive and unilateral measures. Cuba has been facing severe economic crisis due to the blockade and recent U.S. actions, including a petroleum embargo and threats of military action.