OMM Newsroom
China has strongly condemned U.S. sanctions against two Chinese companies accused of supplying military-use equipment to Cuba, AnewZ reports. Beijing said the measures harm bilateral economic ties and violate international law.
China’s Ministry of Commerce said on Nov. 7 that Washington had imposed unilateral restrictions on Chinese companies because of their dealings with a third country. The ministry accused the United States of violating international law and the basic norms governing international relations.
The statement followed the U.S. State Department’s announcement on Nov. 5 of sanctions against China National Electronic Import and Export Company (CEIEC) and Beijing H&C Technologies. Washington is expanding measures targeting Cuba’s military suppliers and economic networks.
China’s Ministry of Commerce said the United States had recently stepped up sanctions against Chinese companies, imposing discriminatory restrictions that harm their legitimate interests.
The ministry said the measures run counter to understandings reached between the Chinese and U.S. presidents and threaten the stability of bilateral economic and trade ties.
Beijing urged Washington to lift the restrictions and said it reserved the right to take necessary measures to protect Chinese companies. The ministry did not announce specific countermeasures in its latest statement.
Reason for U.S. sanctions
The U.S. State Department accused CEIEC and Beijing H&C Technologies of sending military-use equipment and components through Sociedad Mercantil Duna, a company involved in supplying weapons to Cuba.
Washington said the companies support Cuba’s armed forces. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio alleged that foreign suppliers help Cuba’s government security apparatus continue operating.
The sanctions are part of a broader package announced on Nov. 5. The package covers eight entities and two individuals, and also designates five vessels as blocked property.
The restrictions also target companies linked to the Cuban state, as well as networks involved in oil shipments and military supplies.
Alongside the sanctions, the U.S. Treasury Department expanded its authority to take action against foreign individuals and companies operating in four sectors of Cuba’s economy: manufacturing, technology, electronics and maritime activity. The decision does not automatically sanction every company operating in those sectors.
The Trump administration says the measures are aimed at disrupting financial and supply networks that support the Cuban government and military.
The new restrictions come as Cuba faces a severe energy shortage and prolonged power outages. U.S. pressure on oil supplies is increasing the island’s economic difficulties.
China’s response points to a deepening diplomatic dispute over Washington’s sanctions on foreign companies doing business with Cuba, adding to tensions in U.S.-China economic relations.
