China Challenges US Sanctions Policy at UN General Assembly

Han’s remarks arrive as Cuba struggles with a catastrophic collapse of its electrical grid, a crisis the Chinese official directly linked to the strangulation of the island's oil supply by U.S. restrictions. By framing the blockade as an affront to international norms, Beijing is positioning itself as a primary defender of sovereignty for nations currently targeted by Western sanctions.

While the Vice President urged major powers to respect the security of Middle Eastern nations, he sought to decouple this stance from the volatile situation in Iran. Despite persistent allegations that Beijing has helped Tehran circumvent oil sanctions, Han explicitly rejected the notion of providing military support to Iran. This diplomatic distancing follows private warnings from former President Donald Trump, who previously pressed Xi Jinping to curb Chinese cooperation with the Iranian regime. Han’s address underscores a strategic effort by Beijing to cultivate influence among developing nations by championing non-interference and equal status in global governance.