The United States should immediately stop imposing blockade and sanctions against Cuba under any pretext, remove Cuba from the 'state sponsors of terrorism' list and do more things that are conducive to improving U.S.-Cuba relations, said Mao Ning, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a press briefing in Beijing on Wednesday.
Recently, the U.S. announced the expansion of its visa restrictions on Cuba, emphasizing that Cuba's overseas medical services are suspected of "forced labor" and will impose visa restrictions on current or former Cuban government officials, third-country officials and their immediate family members who are responsible for related affairs.
The foreign ministers of the Caribbean Community member states expressed their concerns about the relevant U.S. policies when meeting the U.S. State Department's special envoy for Latin American affairs in Washington, and several Caribbean leaders have also criticized the move.
"Cuba's overseas medical services are welcomed by the governments and people of Caribbean countries. The so-called 'forced labor' has become the 'perfect excuse' and hegemonic tool for the U.S. to suppress dissidents. The relevant measures of the U.S. are the continuation and strengthening of its blockade and sanctions against Cuba for more than 60 years. China opposes coercive diplomacy and urges the U.S. to immediately stop imposing blockade and sanctions against Cuba under any pretext, remove Cuba from the 'state sponsors of terrorism' list , do more things that are conducive to improving U.S.-Cuba relations, and do more practical things that truly help Caribbean countries," said Mao.
China urges US to immediately stop imposing blockade, sanctions against Cuba
Citizens of the Republic of Korea (ROK) have shared their views and expectations for future cooperation with China ahead of President Lee Jae Myung's state visit, which began in Beijing on Sunday.
Lee is making his first visit to China since assuming office in June 2025, with the state visit scheduled to run until Wednesday.
Street food vendor Jang Dong Il said he had high expectations for the visit, hoping it would lead to effective cooperation between the two countries and improvements in the economic environment for mutual benefit.
"More exchanges between the two countries would boost for the two economies. I am full of hope for a strong cooperation between President Lee Jae-myung and President Xi Jinping," he said.
"I have high hopes for this meeting between our countries' leaders. President Lee Jae Myung is visiting China between January 4 and January 7, to discuss economic, cultural and tourism exchanges.I understand about 200 to 300 South Korean corporate executives have traveled with him. I have high hopes for this. If this visit helps strengthen relations between two leaders,I believe it could lead to a win-win outcome and bring ROK and China closer together," Yang said.
"The leaders' meeting can spark dynamic exchanges in economy and culture. More exchanges between the two countries would boost the two economies. I am full of hope for a strong cooperation between President Lee Jae-myung and President Xi Jinping," said Noh Yun Ji, a teacher.
"The two can complement each other economically and continue to develop," said Kim Yoon Jung, a Seoul resident.
Dancer Yoon Ji Eun shared her experience of visiting Shanghai, saying that the delicious food suited her taste and that the city’s fashionable, clean urban environment left her with a positive impression of China.
"Last summer, I took a trip to Shanghai, and after seeing it for myself, I found the food was to my taste, and the city was modern and clean. So I came to see China as a captivating country," Yoon said.
"First of all, China is a very large country. And the food is delicious. I enjoy dishes like malatang and hot pot.I love Chinese food," Noh said.
The ROK citizens also expressed hope for strengthened people to people exchanges with China.
Recalling her time studying dance in China, Yoon said her experience highlighted the role of education in fostering cultural understanding.
"Although I don’t know much about this, as I mentioned, I went to Shanghai for dance lessons. It shows education can offer cultural experiences," she said.
South Koreans hope president’s first visit to China will enhance exchanges
