US Sanctions Cuban Military Attache in Beijing for Procuring Equipment from China
Quick Look
The US Treasury sanctioned Waldo Perez Cortes, Cuba's military attache in Beijing, for facilitating the procurement of military equipment from China for Cuba's armed forces.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The sanctions are part of ongoing US efforts to pressure Cuba's government.
The United States sanctioned Cuba’s senior military representative in Beijing on Thursday, accusing him of helping procure military-related equipment from China for the island’s armed forces.
Waldo Perez Cortes, Cuba’s military, naval and air attache in Beijing, was among six Cuban nationals and five entities added to the US Treasury Department’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list.
The US State Department said Perez Cortes was an official of Cuba’s Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, known as MINFAR, who had been “involved in the procurement of military-related equipment from China to Cuba”. It did not identify the equipment, Chinese suppliers or transactions allegedly involved.
Cuban state news agency Prensa Latina has identified Perez Cortes as a senior colonel serving as Cuba’s military, naval and air attache in Beijing. Perez Cortes has appeared publicly alongside senior officers from China’s People’s Liberation Army and spoken about Beijing’s support for Cuba’s defence capabilities.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Increased diplomatic tensions between the US and Cuba, potentially affecting regional alliances.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Details of the military equipment procured
- Impact on Cuba-China military cooperation
