China urges U.S. to immediately lift blockade, sanctions against Cuba: spokesman

China urges the United States to immediately lift its blockade and sanctions against Cuba in heeding an overwhelming call of the international community, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian said on Wednesday.

Lin made the remarks at a press conference in Beijing in response to a media question about the illegal sanctions imposed by the United States against Cuba.

"For over 60 years the U.S. has imposed a full blockade and illicit sanctions on Cuba, wreaking havoc on people’s lives in Cuba. China firmly opposes these unilateral sanctions and firmly supports Cuba in pursuing the development path suited to their national conditions, safeguarding sovereignty and security, and opposing external interference. We urge the U.S. to immediately lift the blockade and sanctions, and stop pressuring Cuba under any pretext. This is also the overwhelming call from the international community," he said.

China urges U.S. to immediately lift blockade, sanctions against Cuba: spokesman

China supports Venezuela in safeguarding its sovereignty, dignity and legitimate rights, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a daily press briefing on Wednesday.

He made the statement in response to a media inquiry about the U.S. forcible seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

"The United States forcibly seized the head of state of a country, flagrantly violating the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, international law, and the basic norms governing international relations, which China firmly opposes. We support Venezuela in safeguarding its sovereignty, dignity and legitimate rights," said Lin.

China voices support for Venezuela's sovereignty, rights