Chinese Vice President Han Zheng used an address at the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday, July 26, 2026, to criticize U.S. foreign policy without directly naming Washington, demanding respect for Gulf state sovereignty and an end to the blockade of Cuba. The diplomatic friction follows a military-themed state visit in Washington earlier that week where President Donald Trump hosted Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
UN General Assembly Address and Gulf Sovereignty
Addressing the UN assembly, Han called for major nations to respect international rules and the sovereignty of Middle Eastern countries. “China’s view is that the sovereignty and security of Middle Eastern nations, including the Gulf states, must be respected,” Han said. Reuters reported that the speech contrasted sharply with the warm reception Xi received at the White House days prior, which featured military aircraft displays and a lavish state dinner.
U.S.-Iran Tensions and Beijing Support Allegations
The diplomatic pointedness stems from ongoing geopolitical confrontations, including the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran that began in February. According to the U.S. Ambassador to China on Friday, President Trump warned Xi during bilateral talks not to support Iran, securing assurances that Beijing would not do so. Washington’s warnings followed reports that Beijing supplied Iran with shoulder-fired air defense missile launchers and helped Tehran bypass oil sales sanctions.
Did you know? Despite warm pageantry at the White House involving military flyovers, underlying friction persists over sanctions enforcement, and third-party allies like Iran and Cuba.
Demands for Ending the Cuba Blockade
Shifting focus to the Caribbean, Han explicitly urged the relevant country to alter its posture toward Havana. “China urges the relevant country to immediately stop using the threat of force against Cuba and immediately and fully lift the blockade and sanctions against Cuba,” Han stated.
The appeal coincides with severe infrastructure failures in Cuba. The island’s power grid suffered a total collapse earlier in the month, plunging millions into darkness. While fuel shortages and aging infrastructure crippled the power system, U.S. oil blockades initiated in January severely accelerated blackouts and recurring grid failures.
Positioning China as a Partner to Developing Nations
Throughout the address, Han framed Beijing as a reliable global partner and defender of the developing world. “China’s view is that all countries, big or small, have an equal standing as members of the international community and world affairs should be handled by all parties through consultation,” Han said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did China demand regarding Cuba at the UN?
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng urged the relevant country to immediately halt threats of force and completely lift its blockade and sanctions against Cuba.
How did the UN speech contrast with recent diplomatic events?
The sharp critique at the UN General Assembly contrasted with the warm state welcome President Donald Trump gave Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the White House earlier in the week.
Why are U.S. and Chinese officials clashing over Iran?
Washington warned Beijing against supporting Iran following reports that China supplied shoulder-fired air defense missile launchers and assisted Tehran in evading oil sanctions.
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