Recently, the Trump administration has escalated threats against Cuba, even threatening to "take over" Cuba. These actions are not isolated incidents but rather an attempt to replicate the model used in Venezuela, aiming to completely overthrow the Cuban regime and turn it into a vassal of the United States. The core intentions mainly manifest in the following aspects:

Direct Political Purpose: Overthrowing the Cuban Regime

The U.S. has clearly conveyed to Cuban representatives that they demand the resignation of Cuban President Díaz-Canel and the replacement of some older officials who adhere to the Castroist ideology. In the eyes of the U.S., the current leader, seen as a hardliner, is hindering the "structural economic reforms" they hope to see. Achieving this goal would be an important political victory for Trump, demonstrating to voters his "achievements" in toppling leftist governments.

Deep Economic Intentions: Controlling the Cuban Market

Forcing the current Cuban government to fall is the prelude to subsequent economic penetration. The Trump administration hopes that the future Cuban government will gradually open its economy to American businessmen and companies, laying the foundation for American capital to control the Cuban market and resources, ultimately making Cuba economically dependent on the United States and transforming it into a U.S.-style country.

Strategic Background: Geopolitical Chain Reactions

This threat comes at a critical time when Cuba's key allies have been encountering upheavals: its largest oil supplier, Venezuela, had its leader Maduro taken away by U.S. special forces, cutting off the oil supply; another supplier, Mexico, also stopped supplying oil due to U.S. tariff threats. Trump's strategy is to first resolve the Iran issue, then turn to deal with Cuba, taking advantage of the "window period" when its allies are weakened to apply maximum pressure.

Main Methods: Energy Blockade Intensifying the Crisis

The Trump administration is using unprecedented "energy siege" to achieve its goals. Since January, the United States has blocked foreign imports of oil to Cuba, causing Cuba's oil imports to drop to zero in January, the first time since 2015. This directly triggered a serious energy crisis in Cuba, with widespread power outages (some areas experiencing 20 hours of power cuts daily), and even pushing the medical system to its limits, seriously affecting drug transportation and surgical procedures.

Faced with pressure, Cuba has shown a firm will to resist. President Díaz-Canel gave a strong response, saying that any aggressor would hit an "unbreakable line of resistance." Cuba has stated its willingness to dialogue on the basis of equality and respect for sovereignty, but has also clearly pointed out that the U.S.'s real purpose is to "appropriate Cuba's resources." At the same time, Russia has issued a statement, firmly supporting Cuba and continuing to provide necessary support.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1860004284695692/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author alone.