The United States should heed the call of the international community and immediately stop all its blockade, sanctions, coercion, and pressure against Cuba, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in Beijing on Thursday. "The U.S. can't justify blockade and illegal sanctions against Cuba with invented allegations and groundless vilification," Mao said at a regular news briefing when asked to comment on the recent remarks by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "Fabricating excuses and spreading rumors and smears cannot serve as justification for the U.S. brutal blockade and illegal sanctions against Cuba. The United States has long implemented unilateral sanctions and embargo against Cuba, which have wreaked havoc on Cuba's economy and people's livelihood, bringing enormous suffering to the Cuban people. The international community is widely opposed to this. China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security and rejecting external interference. The United States should listen to the calls of the international community and immediately and completely end its blockade, sanctions, coercion and pressure against Cuba," Mao said.
Rubio reportedly ignored a U.S. senator's statement on June 2 that a thorough review by the intelligence community under the Biden administration had concluded there was no evidence that Cuba was involved in state-sponsored terrorism.
Meanwhile, there were also media reports saying that due to the fuel shortage caused by the United States' oil embargo, the UN has been unable to effectively distribute nearly 20,000 tonnes of food in Cuba.
US should heed int'l call, end blockade against Cuba: Chinese spokeswoman
A large number of international guests have been drawn to Ninghai County in east China's Zhejiang Province, immersing themselves in the culture of its villages and enjoying warm welcomes from local people eager to share their traditional practices.
Recently, a traditional long-table banquet was held in the county's Qiantong Ancient Town, an exceptionally well-preserved town built during the Song Dynasty (960–1279).
Given the rising popularity of rural tourism in China, it was no surprise that the 300 tickets for the event sold out within a few minutes. However, local organizers had not expected the event to bring so many guests from overseas to the 200-meter-long table.
"I especially like the tall (long) table, it's actually a new experience for me," said an international visitor.
"The atmosphere here is lively and I really like it. The dishes arrived still hot, crispy and delicious," said another overseas guest.
Inspired by the stories of Xu Xiake, an explorer and travel writer from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), more than 100 overseas students also visited old villages in the county, where they learned traditional crafting techniques like paper cutting.
"I can experience traditional culture and I also like that in this village. There are some old traditional things," said an overseas student.
"This place is so beautiful, with many delicious foods," another student said.
The students also learned to make a kind of traditional dessert that symbolizes good wishes for longevity.
"It's my first time to see it. It's very interesting. I want to learn new things," said one of the students.
"I feel really amazed there, really happy. I was really enjoying this experience to do it," said another.
Local people were more than willing to share these ancient practices with young people from around the world.
"Through hands-on experience, our foreign friends can more easily understand our traditional culture. Our communication like this is more sincere and unforgettable," said Liang Lanlan, an intangible cultural heritage inheritor.
Traditional culture in east China county draws international guests
