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Cuba

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Cuba. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Havana

Head of State

President Miguel Díaz-Canel

Head of Government

Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz

Ramiro Valdes in Havana in 2024. Photo: Reuters

Obituaries

Ramiro Valdes, key figure of Cuban revolution and Castro ally, dead at 94

The architect of Cuba’s state security apparatus and former vice-president was one of the final veterans of the 1956 rebel uprising.

22 Jun 2026 - 9:59AM

Vietnam

Asian Angle | When the US comes for Cuba, what can Vietnam do?

20 Jun 2026 - 3:00PMvideocam

Africa

Vietnamese deported to South Sudan under Trump’s controversial scheme goes home

19 Jun 2026 - 7:13PM

Americas and the Caribbean

Under US pressure, Cuba unveils largest economic reform in decades

National Assembly votes unanimously to approve dozens of reforms aimed at opening up the struggling island’s economy.

19 Jun 2026 - 3:24PM

A man works on a classic American car in Havana. The communist island has unveiled its most profound free-market reforms in decades. Photo: AP

China-Latin America relations

US targets Cuba oil giant as Beijing and Havana deepen party ties

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announces sanctions on Union Cuba-Petroleo after Havana and Beijing hold positive bilateral talks.

12 Jun 2026 - 5:29AMvideocam

United States

UN slams ‘unacceptable’ US sanctions causing child deaths in Cuba

Human rights chief Turk said Trump’s pressure campaign against the island has crippled medical services, sparking a jump in infant mortality rate.

9 Jun 2026 - 7:20PMvideocam

Earthquakes

Strongest earthquake in nearly 150 years hits off Cuba, shaking Mexico and Florida

Rare earthquake with 6.1 magnitude shakes buildings in Havana and beyond.

9 Jun 2026 - 9:07AM

Workers rush down down a stairwell in Havana following a rare 6.1-magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Cuba on Monday. Photo: AFP

US-China relations

The new Panama? Why Nicaragua could be next front in US-China influence battle

Beijing could move to build an alternative to the Panama Canal in Nicaragua, before the US gets involved, scholar warns.

9 Jun 2026 - 4:19PMvideocam

US-Cuba relations

Summer most likely window for US attack on Cuba, Chinese defence tech firm says

Using tracking data and AI, Jingan Technology suggests ‘decapitation’ operation more probable than full-scale invasion.

5 Jun 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

China says US ‘invented’ terrorism charges to justify Cuba blockade

Foreign ministry rebutted Marco Rubio’s claim that Cuba sponsors terrorism and demanded an end to US sanctions on the island.

5 Jun 2026 - 10:03AMvideocam

A portrait of former Cuban leader Raul Castro is seen in Havana, as Cuba grapples with economic hardship and renewed pressure from Washington. Photo: Reuters

China-Latin America relations

Opinion | China’s economic inroads in Latin America are hitting political walls

China’s economic gains in the Americas are real, but Donald Trump’s return to the White House shows that political success is another story.

5 Jun 2026 - 2:23AMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

US’ Cuba-China fears, Panama pressure: Latin America relations reads

From Argentina’s shrinking China lifeline to the US’ Cuba worries, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in May 2026.

3 Jun 2026 - 12:38AM

Chinese tourists

Will the World Cup help Mexico dispel Chinese tourists’ safety fears?

A boost of visitor numbers for the tournament should also include travellers from China, though surveys show lingering safety concerns.

31 May 2026 - 10:00PM

China-Latin America relations

As US pressures Cuba, Beijing holds talks with Havana on agriculture

Chinese support includes rice shipments and diplomatic backing as Trump administration ramps up sanctions and rhetoric.

28 May 2026 - 6:04AMvideocam

A view of Havana as tensions between Cuba and the United States continue to escalate. Photo: AP

US-Cuba relations

Cuba receives shipment of rice donated by China as US squeezes island

Beijing reinforces ties through ‘the largest food aid’ in recent years as Cuba reels under economic crisis.

25 May 2026 - 5:14PM

Workers stack rice donated by China in Havana, Cuba earlier this year. Photo: Xinhua

China-Latin America relations

Cuba clash, Putin visits Beijing, Xi may go to North Korea

This week: China and the US trade barbs over Cuba, Putin fails to get gas pipeline deal at Xi summit, and retail sales growth hits three-year low. Next week: Xi may travel to North Korea, defence officials gather for Shangri-La Dialogue, new airport terminal and more.

22 May 2026 - 10:45PM

China-Latin America relations

US casts Cuba as China-linked security threat while still pushing for talks

Washington portrays Havana as a national security risk tied to Beijing and Moscow while insisting diplomacy remains possible.

30 May 2026 - 5:04AMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

China slams US over Castro charges and ‘unauthorised’ sanctions on Cuba

Beijing says it supports ‘Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and national dignity’ after charges over downed planes.

21 May 2026 - 8:44PMvideocam

Former Cuban president Raul Castro is accused by the United States of being involved in the February 1996 shooting down of two unarmed US civilian aircraft. Photo: EPA

China-Latin America relations

US charges Raul Castro as Trump administration ratchets up pressure on Cuba

Historic murder charges against 94-year-old former leader mark the first time Washington has criminally pursued a Castro brother.

21 May 2026 - 12:55PMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

US plans to charge Raul Castro increases Trump administration’s pressure on Cuba

US Justice Department preparing to indict ageing Cuban leader on Wednesday over the shooting down of two aircraft three decades ago.

20 May 2026 - 4:03AMvideocam

US-Cuba relations

Cuba warns of ‘bloodbath’ if US attacks as Washington expands sanctions

Cuba’s president defends right to self-defence as US report claims the island has acquired more than 300 military drones.

19 May 2026 - 5:03PM

An old car drives past the US embassy in Havana, Cuba, as geopolitical tensions flare between the two nations. Photo: EPA

My Life

Meet Anchalika Kijkanakorn, the Thai hotelier redefining luxury resorts through wellness and meaningful travel

The founder of Thailand’s Akaryn Hotel Group on the joys of solo travel and being ahead of the sustainability curve as a pioneer of boutique hospitality.

18 May 2026 - 8:00AM

Anchalika Kijkanakorn, founder of Thailand’s Akaryn Hotel Group. Photo: courtesy Anchalika Kijkanakorn

Diplomacy

Opinion | How China is making the most of the US’ faltering global leadership

As the US’ latest foreign adventures weaken American legitimacy, the world needs a political force that can act as a neutral arbitrator.

17 May 2026 - 5:30AMvideocam

Americas and the Caribbean

CIA chief makes rare Cuba visit as island runs out of oil

Meeting in Havana comes as tensions between the two sides remain high over the US energy blockade.

15 May 2026 - 2:55PMvideocam

2026 Xi-Trump summits

US renews US$100 million Cuba aid offer as Trump raises island with Xi

Washington says Havana must decide whether to accept humanitarian assistance as Beijing maintains backing for Cuba.

14 May 2026 - 4:45AMvideocam

Cubans have faced chronic blackouts, food shortages and a worsening economic crisis as migration from the island continues to climb. Photo: AFP

United States

Trump says Cuba is seeking help, will hold talks

Trump had threatened that Cuba was ‘next’ after the US military seized ‌the leader of long-time Cuban ally Venezuela earlier this year.

12 May 2026 - 9:31PMvideocam

Trump’s administration has ‌also imposed a fuel blockade, curtailed US travel and ⁠remittances to Cuba. Photo: dpa

Diplomacy

Opinion | Latin America is reassessing the benefits of warm ties with Beijing

From Honduras to Cuba and Venezuela, leaders are taking a more transactional view of what relations with Beijing really bring.

11 May 2026 - 9:31PMvideocam

Ukraine war

Putin says he thinks Ukraine conflict is coming to an end

The Russian leader added that a meeting with Ukraine’s Zelensky was possible only once a lasting peace deal was reached.

10 May 2026 - 8:55AMvideocam

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Cuba

Ramiro Valdes, key figure of Cuban revolution and Castro ally, dead at 94

The architect of Cuba’s state security apparatus and former vice-president was one of the final veterans of the 1956 rebel uprising.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Asian Angle | When the US comes for Cuba, what can Vietnam do?

Vietnamese deported to South Sudan under Trump’s controversial scheme goes home

Under US pressure, Cuba unveils largest economic reform in decades

National Assembly votes unanimously to approve dozens of reforms aimed at opening up the struggling island’s economy.

US targets Cuba oil giant as Beijing and Havana deepen party ties

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announces sanctions on Union Cuba-Petroleo after Havana and Beijing hold positive bilateral talks.

UN slams ‘unacceptable’ US sanctions causing child deaths in Cuba

Human rights chief Turk said Trump’s pressure campaign against the island has crippled medical services, sparking a jump in infant mortality rate.

Strongest earthquake in nearly 150 years hits off Cuba, shaking Mexico and Florida

Rare earthquake with 6.1 magnitude shakes buildings in Havana and beyond.

The new Panama? Why Nicaragua could be next front in US-China influence battle

Beijing could move to build an alternative to the Panama Canal in Nicaragua, before the US gets involved, scholar warns.

Summer most likely window for US attack on Cuba, Chinese defence tech firm says

Using tracking data and AI, Jingan Technology suggests ‘decapitation’ operation more probable than full-scale invasion.

China says US ‘invented’ terrorism charges to justify Cuba blockade

Foreign ministry rebutted Marco Rubio’s claim that Cuba sponsors terrorism and demanded an end to US sanctions on the island.

Opinion | China’s economic inroads in Latin America are hitting political walls

China’s economic gains in the Americas are real, but Donald Trump’s return to the White House shows that political success is another story.

US’ Cuba-China fears, Panama pressure: Latin America relations reads

From Argentina’s shrinking China lifeline to the US’ Cuba worries, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in May 2026.

Will the World Cup help Mexico dispel Chinese tourists’ safety fears?

A boost of visitor numbers for the tournament should also include travellers from China, though surveys show lingering safety concerns.

As US pressures Cuba, Beijing holds talks with Havana on agriculture

Chinese support includes rice shipments and diplomatic backing as Trump administration ramps up sanctions and rhetoric.

Cuba receives shipment of rice donated by China as US squeezes island

Beijing reinforces ties through ‘the largest food aid’ in recent years as Cuba reels under economic crisis.

Cuba clash, Putin visits Beijing, Xi may go to North Korea

This week: China and the US trade barbs over Cuba, Putin fails to get gas pipeline deal at Xi summit, and retail sales growth hits three-year low. Next week: Xi may travel to North Korea, defence officials gather for Shangri-La Dialogue, new airport terminal and more.

US casts Cuba as China-linked security threat while still pushing for talks

Washington portrays Havana as a national security risk tied to Beijing and Moscow while insisting diplomacy remains possible.

China slams US over Castro charges and ‘unauthorised’ sanctions on Cuba

Beijing says it supports ‘Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and national dignity’ after charges over downed planes.

US charges Raul Castro as Trump administration ratchets up pressure on Cuba

Historic murder charges against 94-year-old former leader mark the first time Washington has criminally pursued a Castro brother.

US plans to charge Raul Castro increases Trump administration’s pressure on Cuba

US Justice Department preparing to indict ageing Cuban leader on Wednesday over the shooting down of two aircraft three decades ago.

Cuba warns of ‘bloodbath’ if US attacks as Washington expands sanctions

Cuba’s president defends right to self-defence as US report claims the island has acquired more than 300 military drones.

Meet Anchalika Kijkanakorn, the Thai hotelier redefining luxury resorts through wellness and meaningful travel

The founder of Thailand’s Akaryn Hotel Group on the joys of solo travel and being ahead of the sustainability curve as a pioneer of boutique hospitality.

Opinion | How China is making the most of the US’ faltering global leadership

As the US’ latest foreign adventures weaken American legitimacy, the world needs a political force that can act as a neutral arbitrator.

CIA chief makes rare Cuba visit as island runs out of oil

Meeting in Havana comes as tensions between the two sides remain high over the US energy blockade.

US renews US$100 million Cuba aid offer as Trump raises island with Xi

Washington says Havana must decide whether to accept humanitarian assistance as Beijing maintains backing for Cuba.

Trump says Cuba is seeking help, will hold talks

Trump had threatened that Cuba was ‘next’ after the US military seized ‌the leader of long-time Cuban ally Venezuela earlier this year.

Opinion | Latin America is reassessing the benefits of warm ties with Beijing

From Honduras to Cuba and Venezuela, leaders are taking a more transactional view of what relations with Beijing really bring.

Putin says he thinks Ukraine conflict is coming to an end

The Russian leader added that a meeting with Ukraine’s Zelensky was possible only once a lasting peace deal was reached.

Asian Angle | When the US comes for Cuba, what can Vietnam do?