China sends 15,000 tonnes of rice to Cuba amid US sanctions and blackouts
Cuba received the first 15,000-tonne shipment of a 60,000-tonne Chinese rice donation at Havana port on May 24, 2026, as the island faces acute food and fuel shortages. President Miguel Diaz-Canel thanked China for the solidarity. The crisis worsened after the US toppled Venezuela’s Maduro in January 2026, halting Venezuelan oil exports. US sanctions and an oil embargo have caused nationwide blackouts, with up to 64% of Cuba experiencing simultaneous outages. The US has threatened further sanctions and hinted at military intervention, while Cuba relies increasingly on Chinese aid.
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China Vows to Support Cuba Against US 'Power Politics and Bullying'
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during talks with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla in New York, pledged China's continued support for Cuba against what he termed 'power politics and bullying,' an apparent reference to the United States. Wang stated China would uphold justice, speak out on Cuba's behalf, support the Cuban people's just cause, and contribute to Cuba's economic development and livelihood improvements. The pledge comes as Cuba faces severe pressure from the US, including an energy blockade, the cutoff of Venezuelan oil supplies after the Trump administration ousted Nicolas Maduro, and the recent indictment of former Cuban President Raul Castro over the 1996 downing of civilian US planes. China has already donated 60,000 tons of rice to Cuba, with the first batch arriving on May 24. China's Foreign Ministry also urged the US to stop using judicial threats and force against Cuba.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Cuba receives Chinese rice donation during worsening fuel and food crisis
Cuba has received the first shipment of a major rice donation from China as the island faces worsening humanitarian conditions, fuel shortages, and rolling blackouts. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed on Sunday that the first delivery of 15,000 tonnes of rice arrived at Havana's port, part of a larger Chinese donation expected to total around 60,000 tonnes. Diaz-Canel expressed deep gratitude to China and criticized the United States for increasing sanctions under President Donald Trump's administration. Cuban authorities have warned that fuel supplies have nearly run out, leading to nationwide blackouts and disruption to transport and healthcare services. Trump has continued a hardline approach towards Cuba and recently suggested possible military action. Diaz-Canel accused Washington of pursuing a 'maximum pressure' campaign designed to destabilize the country.
The News International - latest newsCuba thanks China for rice shipment amid worsening humanitarian conditions
Cuba has received the first shipment of 15,000 tonnes of rice from China as part of a planned donation of 60,000 tonnes, amid a severe humanitarian crisis exacerbated by US sanctions and an oil blockade. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel expressed deep gratitude to China and European Parliament members who condemned the US pressure campaign. Since January, the Trump administration has intensified sanctions, blocked oil exports to Cuba, and threatened military action to force regime change. The oil blockade has caused island-wide blackouts and crippled public services. Cuba increasingly relies on China for aid, including solar panels for its energy grid. Trump has sought Diaz-Canel's resignation and hinted at possible military intervention, though negotiations continue.
Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al JazeeraCuba receives Chinese rice aid amid US threats and severe blackouts
Cuba received the first of several Chinese rice shipments totaling 60,000 tons, with 15,000 tons arriving in Havana on May 24, 2026. The aid aims to alleviate acute food shortages on the island. President Miguel Diaz-Canel thanked China for the solidarity. Meanwhile, Cuba faces a severe energy crisis, with up to 64% of the territory experiencing simultaneous blackouts, and some outages in Havana lasting over 22 hours. The US, under President Donald Trump, has intensified political pressure and maintains an oil embargo on top of a decades-long trade embargo, which Cuba calls 'genocidal.' Experts note that ousting Diaz-Canel would be difficult due to Cuba's cohesive military and advanced surveillance capabilities, developed with Soviet and Chinese cooperation.
Deutsche WelleCuba receives Chinese rice shipment amid US threats and severe blackouts
Cuba received the first shipment of 15,000 tons of rice from China on May 24, 2026, part of a 60,000-ton pledge to alleviate acute food shortages. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel praised the aid as a gesture of solidarity reaching millions. The island faces a dire economic crisis worsened by US sanctions and the January 2026 toppling of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, which halted Venezuelan oil exports to Cuba. On Sunday, up to 64% of Cuba experienced simultaneous blackouts, with some outages in Havana lasting 22 hours. The US has imposed an oil embargo on top of a general trade embargo since 1962, which Cuba calls 'genocidal.' Experts note that ousting Diaz-Canel would be difficult due to Cuba's cohesive military and advanced surveillance capabilities, developed with Soviet and Chinese cooperation.
Deutsche WelleCuba receives shipment of rice donated by China as US squeezes island
A shipment of nearly 15,000 tonnes of rice donated by China has arrived at the port of Havana, Cuba, as the island nation faces severe economic shortages. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel praised the donation as a 'noble gesture of solidarity' that will reach millions across all provinces. The rice is the first batch of a promised 60,000 tonnes from China, described as the largest food aid in recent years. Cuba has been under a US trade embargo since 1962, and its situation worsened in January 2026 when it stopped receiving oil from Venezuela after the US overthrew Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and began directing energy policy. The US has also threatened sanctions on anyone selling oil to Cuba, further tightening economic pressure on the communist Caribbean country.
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