The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution demanding the end of the U.S. economic blockade on Cuba, marking the 34th time the body has passed the measure by an overwhelming majority, bj.china-embassy.gov.cn reported.
The annual vote highlights a persistent diplomatic fault line. Washington continues its long-standing economic restrictions despite disapproval from the international community.
Beijing Responds to the UN Resolution and Global Sanctions
Addressing reporters during a regular briefing on October 28, Guo Jiakun condemned the U.S. measures. He stated that the 64-year-old embargo has caused profound suffering to the Cuban population. Guo asserted that the annual votes at the United Nations reflect widespread global indignation over violations of the UN Charter.
China committed to supporting Havana’s defense of its national sovereignty and urged Washington to heed international calls for justice. The exchange came as diplomatic friction intensified across multiple fronts, stretching from South Asia to East Asia.
Pakistan Closes Airspace to Taiwan Carriers
In a separate geopolitical development on October 28, Pakistan closed its airspace to commercial airlines originating from the Taiwan region. Islamabad enacted the restriction to explicitly align with the “one China” principle, China-Arab TV reported.
When asked about the aviation ban, Guo noted that the one-China principle remains a broad international consensus. He added that ordinary residents of Taiwan face no obstacles in their international travel.
Biotech Sanctions and Regional Defense Pacts
Trade tensions also featured prominently in the briefing following a U.S. import ban targeting three Chinese biotechnology firms over allegations of forced labor in Xinjiang. Guo rejected the claims as falsehoods designed to hinder China’s economic development, vowing that Beijing will take necessary measures to protect domestic corporate interests.
Security dynamics in the Asia-Pacific drew sharp criticism from Beijing as well. Responding to a joint U.S.-Japan agreement to co-produce advanced air-to-air missiles in Japan, Guo warned that bilateral security cooperation must not destabilize the region or challenge the post-war international order. He similarly dismissed concerns raised by Australia’s defense minister regarding China’s military modernization, maintaining that Beijing pursues a path of peaceful development.
| Event / Issue | Key Actor | Core Development |
|---|---|---|
| UN Embargo Vote | UN General Assembly | Adopted resolution against the U.S. blockade on Cuba for the 34th time. |
| Airspace Restriction | Pakistan | Closed airspace to Taiwan-linked carriers under the one-China policy. |
| Biotech Trade Ban | United States | Banned imports from three Chinese biotech firms, drawing retaliation warnings from Beijing. |
| Missile Production Pact | U.S. and Japan | Announced joint manufacturing of advanced air-to-air missiles during ASEAN defense meetings. |
The briefing concluded with Beijing addressing corporate decisions in the cultural sphere. Following heavy public pushback on Chinese social media, Japanese toy maker Sanrio canceled a partnership tied to a television series that critics accused of propagating hostility toward China.
