Cuba Consults China & Russia as U.S. Pressure on Havana Grows

Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez spoke with his counterparts from China and Russia, discussing bilateral ties and international developments as U.S.–Cuba tensions remain high, according to official statements on Thursday.

Rodriguez held separate telephone calls with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, where the leaders reviewed diplomatic relations and cooperation between their countries.

The conversations came after comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently warned that Cuba was in “deep trouble” and suggested the possibility of a “friendly takeover” of the island nation.

• Cuba seeks support from China, Russia amid rising US pressure
• Havana holds talks with Wang Yi and Sergei Lavrov
• Diplomatic outreach follows Trump’s comments on Cuba crisis

Cuba is facing an economic crisis in Cuba marked by frequent power outages, fuel shortages, and declining supplies. Cuban officials say U.S. sanctions on Cuba have limited oil shipments and financial access, worsening the country’s economic conditions and energy shortages.

During his conversation with Lavrov, Russia reaffirmed its support for Cuban sovereignty and criticized pressure from Washington. The Russian foreign ministry said Moscow opposes political and economic actions aimed at destabilizing the Cuban government and supports the Cuban people’s right to determine their own political system and economic policies.

Rodriguez also discussed relations with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. According to Chinese state media, the call was initiated by Cuba and included discussions on strengthening China–Cuba relations and diplomatic cooperation between Havana and Beijing.

Cuba has maintained close political and economic ties with both Russia and China for decades. These relationships have taken on renewed importance as Havana faces economic difficulties and diplomatic pressure from the United States.

Rodriguez recently met Russian President Vladimir Putin during a visit to Moscow, where both sides discussed expanding cooperation in several areas. Putin also criticized U.S. sanctions policy toward Cuba, calling them harmful to the country’s development.

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The recent diplomatic calls highlight Cuba’s efforts to maintain international partnerships while responding to pressure from Washington. Analysts say Havana continues to rely on Russia–Cuba cooperation, China–Cuba diplomatic ties, and broader global geopolitical alliances to support economic cooperation, diplomatic coordination, and political backing in international forums.