US charges Cuban official over 1996 plane downing; China opposes sanctions
En resumen
- The US announced criminal charges against a Cuban official for the 1996 downing of two civilian planes.
- China condemned the sanctions, supporting Cuba's sovereignty.
Resumen generado por IA
Por qué importa
The US announced criminal charges against a Cuban official for the 1996 downing of two civilian planes flown by Miami-based Cuban exiles, which killed four people. China has voiced strong opposition to these sanctions, calling them illegal and unauthorized by the UN.
The US on Wednesday announced criminal charges against Castro over the 1996 downing of two civilian planes flown by Miami-based Cuban exiles. All four on board, including three American citizens, were killed in the incident.
China “firmly opposes” illegal unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law and are not authorised by the UN Security Council, foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Thursday.
“The United States needs to stop wielding the big stick of sanctions and judicial measures against Cuba, and stop threatening Cuba with force at every turn. China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and national dignity, and opposes external interference,” he said.
The indictment accuses Castro of ordering two small planes operated by the exile group Brothers to the Rescue to be shot down. Five Cuban military pilots were also charged by the US over taking part in the operation.
Castro, now 94, was then head of Cuba’s armed forces and faced international condemnation over the crash.
The US has sought to exert increasing pressure on Cuba’s communist government in recent months. The announcement of the charges marks a major escalation in tensions between the long-time Cold War rivals.
Preguntas abiertas
- Will Cuba extradite Castro?
- What are the specific legal bases for the US charges?
- What further actions might the US take against Cuba?
- How will this impact US-Cuba relations moving forward?
