‘Stop using threats’: China takes veiled shot at US over Cuba & Iran in sharply critical UN speech

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng speaks during the 81st session of the UNGA (Photo: AP).

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng indirectly asked the United States to respect the sovereignty of Iran and Cuba during his speech at the UN General Assembly on Saturday.“Major countries should have special responsibilities for safeguarding international peace and security, and they should take the lead in complying with the rules, upholding rule of law, and doing what’s right,” Han said.Zheng did not call out the US by its name, but mentioned it as the “relevant country”.

Ally in the Gulf

Earlier, Trump had warned Xi against providing support to the Iranians amid reports of Beijing supplying shoulder-mounted air-defence missile launchers, and helping Iran evade sanctions on its oil sales.On Friday, the US ambassador to China reported that Trump was reassured by the Chinese that they wouldn’t indulge in pro-China activities.However, Zheng criticised American actions in the Middle East, displaying a sharp contrast from the earlier warm-toned talks between China and the US.“China holds that the sovereignty and security of countries in the Middle East, including the Gulf, should be respected”, he said.

A fellow communist

Zheng also turned his attention to Cuba, a fellow communist state, calling on the US to end its pressure campaign against the island nation.“China urges the relevant country to immediately stop using threat of force against Cuba and immediately and completely lift the blockade and sanctions against Cuba,” he said.His remarks came weeks after Cuba’s electrical grid suffered a complete collapse, plunging the country into darkness and leaving millions without electricity amid the ongoing US blockade.On Tuesday, Trump called Cuba a ‘failed state’ prompting the Cuban delegation to walk out during his speech at UNGA.“Freedom will come to Cuba,” Trump said.The US President had also announced that his administration is seeking a “fundamental change” in the situation in the country.Zheng used the address to present China as a dependable partner on the world stage and a firm defender of developing nations.“China holds that all countries, big or small, are equal members of the international community, and that world affairs should be handled by all through consultation,” he said.