The key facts

  • The US sanctioned two Chinese companies over alleged supplies to the Cuban army
  • Beijing called the measures a violation of international law and demanded their cancellation
  • The Chinese ministry stated its right to take retaliatory measures

Sanctions and Beijing's reaction

On Thursday, the US State Department added eight companies and two individuals to its sanctions lists, and also designated five vessels as blocked property. According to the agency, Anadolu citing the American department, the measures are explained by the Trump administration's desire to 'put an end to the malicious activities of the Cuban regime' in Cuba and the region. Among the sanctioned companies are two Chinese ones: China National Electronic Import and Export Company (CEIEC) and Beijing H&C Technologies Co. Ltd. Both, according to the US, supplied components and equipment to the Cuban armed forces.

Beijing's response

On Saturday, China's Ministry of Commerce stated that it 'firmly opposes unilateral US sanctions on Chinese enterprises,' since, in its wording, they violate international law and the basic norms of international relations. The department called on Washington to 'correct its wrongful actions as soon as possible,' Xinhua reports (as cited by Anadolu).

Context in bilateral relations

The Ministry of Commerce linked the new measures to a broader picture: according to it, in recent days the US has 'escalated sanctions and suppression against China' and introduced a number of discriminatory restrictions which, the department claims, harm the interests of Chinese enterprises, deviate from the consensus reached by the heads of the two states, and undermine the stability of trade and economic relations. China, according to the ministry's statement, reserves the right to take necessary measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests. Specific retaliatory steps have not yet been named.