According to Chinese outlets including Xinhua and Yicai, Mao Ning was asked about reports that Florida’s attorney general issued an arrest warrant on the 19th, local time, for Cuba’s former leader Raul Castro. She replied that he is a highly respected Cuban revolutionary leader with great standing internationally. She also noted that Cuba’s president and foreign minister had condemned the move as a clumsy ‘political farce.’

The Chinese side said it consistently opposes abusing judicial means to pressure Cuba. It added that it firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and opposing outside interference.

China’s demand and the background

Mao urged the United States to immediately end its blockade of Cuba and all forms of coercive pressure, and to stop infringing on the Cuban people’s rights to subsistence and development. That is the gist of the ministry’s remarks as published by Xinhua.

The ministry also issued a spokesperson’s statement in May on the U.S. ramping up sanctions against Cuba. On Cuba, Beijing has consistently voiced opposition to sanctions and support for Havana.

We could not verify any detailed explanation from the U.S. government or Florida, or the charges in the warrant. It was reported as an action by Florida’s state attorney general rather than a federal measure, and Washington is generally understood to present its Cuba sanctions as a way to hold the Cuban government accountable. The warrant’s legal effect and any follow-up remain unconfirmed.