China, Russia rally behind Cuba as US squeezes Havana in deepening crisis

China and Russia expressed support for Cuba’s embattled government amid mounting pressure from the United States, as Moscow’s deputy foreign minister concluded a visit to Havana and Beijing signalled its willingness to step up diplomatic backing for the island.“China is willing to work with the international community to firmly support Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security, and opposing external interference,” foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday.“The US government should listen to the voices of justice and immediately cease its blockade, sanctions and any form of coercion and pressure against Cuba,” she added, in reference to a recent visit to the island by two members of the US Congress.The statements follow material support initiatives taken by Beijing since the start of the crisis. In January, Chinese leader Xi Jinping approved an emergency aid package for Cuba that included US$80 million to purchase electrical equipment and a donation of 60,000 tonnes of rice.Her remarks also came as Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov visited Havana for talks with President Miguel Diaz-Canel, underscoring Moscow’s continued support for the Cuban government.“Russia has no plans to walk away from the western hemisphere, no matter what Washington might say,” Russian news agencies quoted Ryabkov as saying. “They are obsessed with pushing Russia and China out of the region.”