Cuba was forced to start negotiations with the US government
On March 13, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel announced in a televised address to the Cuban people that negotiations with the United States had been initiated.
The reason is that the oil embargo imposed by US President Trump is pushing Cuba into a deeper economic crisis.
"The purpose of these negotiations is to find a way to resolve the differences between the two countries through dialogue," said Díaz-Canel in a video speech broadcast on national television.
He expressed hope that the negotiations would allow this long-term rival to "avoid confrontation."
Since January of this year, when the US seized Venezuelan President Maduro and overthrew Cuba's most important foreign supporter, Trump cut off Venezuela's oil supply to Cuba and threatened to impose tariffs on any country selling oil to Cuba.
The oil embargo has plunged Cuba into an increasingly severe economic and energy crisis: rising prices, strict fuel rationing, and shortages of medicines have left many people in dire straits.
In recent weeks, Trump has repeatedly stated that Cuba is on the verge of collapse and is seeking to reach an agreement with the United States.
On March 9, Trump said that Cuba might become a target for "friendly annexation," and then added: "It could also be an unfriendly annexation."
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859568541262848/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.