China on Thursday urged the United States to immediately and completely lift the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the comments at a press briefing following the UN General Assembly's adoption on Wednesday by an overwhelming majority, and for the 29th time, of a resolution titled "Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba."
The resolution urged all states to abide by the Charter of the United Nations and the norms of international law, and to rescind or abolish any form of extraterritorial effect, laws and measures affecting the sovereignty of other states and the legitimate rights and interests of entities and individuals under their jurisdiction, as well as the freedom of trade and navigation.
"Regrettably, these resolutions have not been effectively implemented for many years," Zhao said, adding that the blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba has not stopped yet, and has shown a trend of strengthening in recent years.
Zhao said that China has always advocated respecting the right of each country to have its own social system and development path, upholding the international order based on international law, safeguarding international fairness and justice, and opposing unilateral sanctions against other countries by military, political, economic or other means.
"China urges the United States to immediately and completely lift the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. This is the universal call of the international community," said the spokesperson.
"It is hoped that the United States will develop normal state-to-state relations with Cuba in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations, which is in line with the interests of the two peoples and conducive to the peace and stability of the entire Americas region," he added.
