China keeps Cuba and Uruguay in the fold, puts Panama out in the cold

Cuba became the second Latin American country to send a high-ranking official to China this week. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla’s arrival in Beijing follows that of Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi, the first regional leader to travel to China since the US assault on Venezuela in early January.Beijing’s attempt to court top Latin American officials stands in stark contrast to its tougher position on Panama, where it is embroiled in a dispute over two strategic ports.Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Rodriguez on Thursday that Beijing would continue to provide Havana with support “within its capacity”.“China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security, opposes unreasonable external interference, and rejects the deprivation of the Cuban people’s right to survival and development,” Wang was quoted by the Chinese foreign ministry as saying.“We are willing to continue providing support and assistance within our capacity, and further consolidate and develop the friendly relations between our two countries.”