China Uses UN Speech to Challenge US Approach to Iran and Cuba.

China has called for respect for the sovereignty and security of countries in the Middle East, including the Gulf states, while urging an end to threats and sanctions against Cuba.

Speaking at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Saturday, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng said major powers have a responsibility to safeguard international peace and comply with international law.

“China holds that the sovereignty and security of countries in the Middle East, including the Gulf, should be respected,” Han said.

Although he did not mention the United States by name, his remarks came shortly after US President Donald Trump warned Chinese President Xi Jinping against providing support to Iran.

The United States has accused China of assisting Iran in circumventing oil sanctions, while reports have also alleged that Beijing supplied Tehran with shoulder-fired air-defence missile launchers. China has not publicly confirmed those allegations.

On Cuba, Han called on the United States to end what he described as threats of force and to lift its blockade and sanctions against the Caribbean country.

“China urges the relevant country to immediately stop using threat of force against Cuba and immediately and completely lift the blockade and sanctions against Cuba,” Han said.

Cuba’s power grid suffered a nationwide collapse earlier this month amid fuel shortages and longstanding infrastructure problems. Reuters reported that US restrictions on oil supplies have further worsened the country’s energy difficulties.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also called for an end to US restrictions on Cuba, urging Washington to lift what he described as a “siege” and remove Cuba from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Han used his UN address to portray China as a supporter of developing countries and a defender of multilateral cooperation.

“China holds that all countries, big or small, are equal members of the international community, and that world affairs should be handled by all through consultation,” he said.