China Pushes Back Against US at UN General Assembly on Iran and Cuba
China pushed back against the United States during the United Nations General Assembly on September 26, 2026, demanding respect for Gulf sovereignty and urging Washington to lift its blockade on Cuba. Vice President Han Zheng delivered the remarks at UN headquarters in New York City, according to reporting by Reuters Chief Politics & General News Correspondent Antoni Slodkowski.
Gulf Sovereignty and Middle East Stances
Vice President Han Zheng did not mention the US by name during his address, but he explicitly stated that major countries should lead in complying with rules and upholding the rule of law. “China holds that the sovereignty and security of countries in the Middle East, including the Gulf, should be respected,” Han said according to Reuters. The diplomatic friction follows a US pressure campaign on Iran that began with US-Israeli strikes in February. Prior to the UN speeches, US President Donald Trump warned Chinese leader Xi Jinping against providing support to Iran during Washington talks, receiving assurances that Beijing would comply, as noted by the US ambassador to China on Friday. Those discussions succeeded allegations that Chinese authorities provided Iran with portable anti-aircraft missile systems and that Tehran had utilized Chinese assistance to bypass petroleum export sanctions.
Demands for Ending the Cuba Blockade
Addressing the Caribbean nation, Han stated: “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.” Speaking to the island nation, Han noted that this call coincides with acute infrastructure failures there, given that Cuba’s electrical grid completely failed earlier in the month, plunging the country into darkness and leaving millions powerless while the US maintains its blockade. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov echoed these points hours later at the UN hall, calling on Washington to lift the siege, remove trade restrictions, and strike Cuba off the list of state sponsors of terrorism, as documented by Reuters.
Contrast With Recent Washington Diplomacy
The pointed criticisms at the UN stood in stark contrast to the welcoming atmosphere earlier in the week at the White House. President Donald Trump had feted Chinese leader Xi Jinping with military flyovers and a lavish state dinner. Despite that diplomatic bonhomie, Beijing used the UN General Assembly to position itself as a reliable partner for developing nations. “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,” Han said.
Did You Know?
Vice President Han Zheng’s address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly marked a sharp pivot from the celebratory reception Chinese leader Xi Jinping received at the White House just days prior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did China demand regarding Cuba at the UN?
China urged the relevant country to immediately stop using the threat of force against Cuba and to completely lift its blockade and sanctions, citing severe power grid collapses on the island.
Who else spoke out against the US blockade on Cuba during the UN General Assembly?
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov echoed Chinese remarks, calling on Washington to lift the siege on Cuba, remove trade restrictions, and remove the nation from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
What was the context behind China’s remarks on the Gulf?
The remarks follow a US pressure campaign and military strikes in Iran that began in February, alongside US warnings to Beijing regarding alleged support for Iranian air defenses and oil sales.
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