China News Agency, Beijing, August 16 (Reporter Li Jingze) In response to the US announcement of new sanctions against Cuba, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying stated in Beijing on the 16th that China firmly supports Cuba’s exploration of a development path that suits its national conditions and firmly opposes it. External forces interfere in Cuba’s internal affairs.

　　On the 13th, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the sanctions against two officials of the Cuban Interior Ministry and a subordinate of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces on the grounds of suppressing peaceful and democratic protests in Cuba in accordance with the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. force.

This is the third round of sanctions imposed by the United States on Cuba since anti-government demonstrations took place.

On the same day, US Secretary of State Blincoln issued a statement stating that he would continue to promote accountability for human rights violations by the ancient regime.

What is China's comment?

　　Hua Chunying pointed out that the United States has repeatedly imposed unilateral sanctions against Cuba under the banner of "freedom", "democracy" and "human rights", trying to conceal that the US blockade is the source of the current economic and people's difficulties facing Cuba, and trying to whitewash its interference in Cuban internal affairs. The international community sees this very clearly.

　　Hua Chunying said that we urge the United States to abide by the basic norms of international relations, stop distorting facts, fabricating lies, and making use of political manipulations, stop unilateral sanctions and brutal interference hegemony, and do more that are truly conducive to Cuba’s stable development and safeguard Cuba. The basic rights of the people.

　　Another reporter asked questions. According to reports, under the mediation of Norway, the Venezuelan government and opposition held the first phase of the dialogue in Mexico City from August 13th to 15th, and declared that the dialogue will be held again from September 3rd to 6th.

U.S. Secretary of State Brinken, EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Affairs Borelli, and Canadian Foreign Minister Garno issued a joint statement welcoming the aforementioned dialogue, urging all parties to reach a lasting agreement to comprehensively resolve the Venezuelan crisis, and call on the Venezuelan government to unconditionally release unfairly detained persons. Political prisoners, to ensure freedom of speech, stop human rights violations, and create conditions for the November local elections in line with international democratic standards, expressing that if meaningful progress is made in the dialogue, they are willing to consider reducing sanctions against Venezuela.

What is China's comment?

　　Hua Chunying said that China’s position on the Venezuelan issue is also consistent and clear. We always proceed from the maintenance of the UN Charter and the basic norms of international relations, and insist that Venezuelan issues should be inclusive by the Venezuelan people within the framework of the Constitution. The political dialogue to resolve the issue through independent consultation.

　　Hua Chunying emphasized that the Chinese side is happy to see the Venezuelan ruling and opposition parties resume their dialogue, and hopes that the two sides will meet each other halfway and reach a political settlement at an early date.

China appreciates and supports the efforts of relevant countries to promote peace and talks, and is willing to continue to play a positive and constructive role on the Venezuelan issue.

　　She reiterated that China opposes interference in the internal affairs of other countries, unilateral sanctions and the so-called "long-arm jurisdiction." Facts have proved that sanctions are unpopular and can only increase Venezuela's economic and people's livelihood difficulties.

We call on relevant countries to stop interfering in Venezuela’s internal affairs as soon as possible, lift unilateral sanctions, and contribute more “positive energy” to Venezuela’s peace, stability and development, not the other way around.

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