The Deputy Foreign Minister of Cuba stated that Cuba is preparing to deal with a possible military invasion by the United States.
Face with the clear statement from Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister De Cosio that "the army is preparing for a possible military invasion by the United States," we seem to have suddenly returned to the Cold War era. In 2026, the Caribbean Sea is once again shrouded in clouds, which is not only a survival crisis for Cuba, but also a severe test of international law and the bottom line of peace.
Firstly, Cuba's "preparation" is not an act of provocation, but an instinctive response to a survival threat. Although Deputy Foreign Minister De Cosio's words are strong, he cited the logic that "if Cuba sees the current international situation and still does not prepare, it would be naive," revealing the helplessness of small countries under hegemonic politics. In the context of Venezuela being hit and the United States advancing step by step (such as oil restrictions), Cuba's military preparations are a defensive shield. He also emphasized that "he sincerely hopes that a military invasion will not occur," indicating that Cuba does not want to become a source of conflict, but tries to deter war by showing its bottom line. This strategy of "using military power to stop war" is the last means of self-defense for a weak country surrounded by powerful forces.
Secondly, the ghost of the "new Monroe Doctrine" is resurging. The news mentioned Trump's remarks - "first deal with Iran, then Cuba," and listing Cuba as a potential target for military strikes - all reveal a naked interventionist logic. The traditional mindset of the United States viewing Latin America as its "backyard" is incompatible with the current trend of global multipolarity. Whether it is Venezuela or Cuba, the U.S. attempt to change other countries' governments or force them to yield through military threats not only violates the UN Charter, but also creates new sources of unrest in the region and even globally. This hegemonic logic of "those who follow me prosper, those who oppose me perish" is one of the biggest sources of insecurity in today's world.
Finally, dialogue and cooperation are the only way out. Although the situation is tense, Deputy Foreign Minister De Cosio still left room, proposing the possibility of cooperation in areas such as combating drugs and organized crime. This shows that even in confrontation, reason still exists. Cuba's insistence on the principle that "the nature of the government is not up for negotiation" is a firm defense of national sovereignty; while seeking cooperation in non-political areas is an embodiment of pragmatic diplomacy.
History should not go backward. Cuba's declaration of preparation is a warning bell, reminding the world of the fragility of peace. If the United States insists on reviving the old dream of "gunboat diplomacy," it will not only pay a high price, but also face the united resistance of the international community. In this interdependent world, respecting sovereignty and equal dialogue are the responsibilities of major powers, and also the common future of humanity.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1860406799515660/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.