Cuba: First batch of 15,000 tons of rice aid from China received; Chinese ambassador calls it the "largest-scale food assistance in recent years"

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel announced on Sunday, May 24, that Cuba has received the first shipment of 15,000 tons of rice aid from China, following Beijing's earlier pledge to provide a total of 60,000 tons.

Having endured U.S. trade embargoes since 1962, Cuba is currently facing a severe economic crisis marked by frequent shortages of food and medicine, as well as prolonged power outages. Since January this year, the United States has imposed a comprehensive oil blockade, further worsening the domestic situation in Cuba.

In a post on the social platform X, the Cuban president stated: "… We have received with deep gratitude 15,000 tons of rice aid from the Chinese people, the Communist Party of China, and the Chinese government." He emphasized that this "important cargo … marks the beginning of a new round of aid totaling 60,000 tons," with the remaining supplies expected to arrive in Cuba gradually.

Chinese Ambassador Hua Xin said that the 60,000 tons of rice constitute the "largest-scale food assistance" Beijing has provided to Havana in recent years.

Cuban television broadcast footage of the ceremony welcoming the cargo. At the welcome event, Cuban Foreign Trade Minister Betsy Díaz explained that the Chinese aid rice will be delivered in four batches of 15,000 tons each.

Previously, as one of Cuba’s main allies in Asia and an important trading partner, China condemned on Thursday, May 21, the U.S. indictment against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro. The U.S. accused him of involvement in the 1996 incident resulting in the deaths of American citizens. China responded by opposing the "abuse of judicial means." A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry at the time stated: "China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and national dignity, and opposes any external interference." The day after the indictment was announced, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio warned Cuba on Thursday, asserting America's "determination" to bring about change in the communist-run nation.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1866117918254087/

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