China condemns US ‘big stick’ over Castro charges and ‘unauthorised’ sanctions on Cuba

Beijing says it supports ‘Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and national dignity’ after charges over downed planes2-MIN READ2-MIN2 ListenPublished: 6:58pm, 21 May 2026China condemned the US on Thursday for charging former Cuban leader Raul Castro as the Trump administration escalates pressure on the island’s socialist government.The remarks follow US announcements on Wednesday of criminal charges against Castro regarding the 1996 downing of two civilian planes flown by Miami-based exiles which killed four people, including three Americans.China “firmly opposes” illegal unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law and are not authorised by the UN Security Council, foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said.00:58Trump vows to ‘take’ Cuba as island reels from total power cut linked to oil embargoGuo said China was against the “abuse of judicial proceedings” and opposed external forces pressuring Cuba under any excuse.“The United States needs to stop wielding the big stick of sanctions and judicial measures against Cuba, and stop threatening Cuba with force at every turn. China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and national dignity, and opposes external interference,” he said.The indictment accuses Castro of ordering two small planes operated by the exile group Brothers to the Rescue to be shot down. Five Cuban military pilots were also charged by the US.Castro, now 94, was then head of the country’s armed forces and faced international condemnation over the crash.The US has sought to exert increasing pressure on Cuba’s communist rule in recent months. The announcement of the charges marks a major escalation in tensions between the two countries, which were long-time Cold War rivals.