Han Zheng Calls for Middle East Sovereignty, Lifting Cuba Sanctions at UN
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 5 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng delivered a speech at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly on September 26, calling on the international community to respect the sovereignty and security of Middle Eastern nations, including Gulf states, while urging relevant countries to cease threatening Cuba with force and comprehensively lift sanctions against the island nation. While not directly naming the United States, Han emphasized that major powers have a special responsibility to maintain international peace and security, and should take the lead in abiding by rules and upholding the rule of law .
Key Points
- Han Zheng stated that China believes all Middle Eastern countries, including Gulf states, deserve respect for their sovereignty and security
- He urged relevant countries to immediately cease threatening Cuba with force and to lift the blockade and sanctions against Cuba comprehensively
- Reuters reported Han did not directly name the US, instead emphasizing that major powers should lead by example in following international rules
- Cuba experienced a nationwide power grid collapse earlier this month, leaving millions without electricity amid ongoing fuel shortages exacerbated by US oil sanctions
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also addressed the UN shortly after Han, calling on Washington to lift the "siege" on Cuba and remove it from the terrorism list
Why It Matters
Han Zheng's speech reflects China's broader diplomatic positioning as a proponent of multilateralism and sovereignty for developing nations, positioning itself as an alternative to Western-led international order. The timing—shortly after the Xi-Trump meeting—illustrates China's strategy of maintaining a cooperative tone at the summit level while firmly articulating its principles at international forums.
Han Zheng's speech reflects China's broader diplomatic positioning as a proponent of multilateralism and sovereignty for developing nations, positioning itself as an alternative to Western-led international order. The timing—shortly after the Xi-Trump meeting—illustrates China's strategy of maintaining a cooperative tone at the summit level while firmly articulating its principles at international forums.