Beijing: China on Tuesday expressed strong opposition to the US sanctions imposed on Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and other officials, citing human rights violations as the reason.

According to Anadolu Agency, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that Beijing "firmly opposes the US using the so-called human rights pretext to impose unilateral sanctions and interfere in Cuba's internal affairs." This statement was in response to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's announcement of sanctions against the Cuban president, Armed Forces Minister Gen. Alvaro Lopez Miera, and Interior Minister Lazaro Alberto Alvarez Casas.

Lin criticized the US for its long-standing blockade and sanctions against Cuba, which have lasted over 60 years and caused significant hardship for the Cuban people. He called for the immediate lifting of these sanctions, emphasizing China's support for Cuba's pursuit of a development path tailored to its national conditions and the safeguarding of its sovereignty and dignity.

Furthermore, Lin urged the US to lift the blockade and sanctions against Cuba and to remove the country from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. He highlighted the need for the US to reflect on its own human rights violations in Guantanamo and other regions worldwide.

Regarding US President Donald Trump's remarks on imposing 100% tariffs on Russia unless a resolution is reached with Kyiv within 50 days, Lin reiterated China's stance that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable means to address the Ukraine crisis. He opposed unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction, emphasizing that tariff wars are unproductive.

Lin also addressed US Senator Lindsey Graham's threat of a 500% tariff on countries, including China, trading with Russia. He expressed hope that all parties would foster an environment conducive to advancing the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and take actions promoting peace talks.

In a separate statement, Lin opposed the politicization and weaponization of science, technology, and economic issues. Meanwhile, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced that the US approved Nvidia's export license, allowing the company to sell H20 chips to the Chinese market, as reported by CNBC News.