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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

African banking is one of the sectors affected. Photo: Reuters

China-Africa relations

How overlapping US and China sanctions are complicating business in Africa

Compliance inquiries surge as broad range of industries at risk, spanning mining, banking, telecoms, technology, energy and infrastructure.

11 Jul 2026 - 3:36PMvideocam

United Nations

At UN, Cuba rallies support against ‘cruel’ and ‘ruthless’ US blockade

8 Jul 2026 - 9:39AM

US-Cuba relations

More hardship in fuel-starved Cuba, hit by third nationwide blackout this year

7 Jul 2026 - 1:07PM

China-Latin America relations

Aid for Venezuela, China-Colombia ties: 7 Latin America relations reads

From Argentina’s move towards Beijing to Lula’s beef deal, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in June 2026.

2 Jul 2026 - 10:30PM

Venezuela

Venezuela earthquakes draw aid from governments that cut ties with Caracas

Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and other governments that suspended relations with the country offer rescue teams and humanitarian aid.

26 Jun 2026 - 8:52PMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

US targets Cuba mining sector to block use of China-linked supply chains

Washington revealed sanctions on foreign-backed mining ventures on Tuesday, which Havana slammed for being ‘dishonest and mendacious’.

24 Jun 2026 - 4:47AMvideocam

Americas and the Caribbean

Mexico seeks to restart oil shipments to energy-starved Cuba

President Claudia Sheinbaum plans to resume critical fuel deliveries using commercial firms that have permits.

23 Jun 2026 - 11:18AM

A man inspects a car in Havana as a humanitarian aid ship arrives in port. Photo: AFP

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?

Vietnam has stood by Cuba for 60 years. Now Washington is raising the price of that friendship – and Hanoi must decide what it’s worth.

20 Jun 2026 - 3:00PMvideocam

Africa

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

At least seven African nations have agreed to accept deportees who are not their own citizens as part of arrangements with the US.

19 Jun 2026 - 7:13PM

Vietnamese deportee Tuan Phan, who spent nearly a year in South Sudan, speaks during a press conference before his departure from Juba International Airport on Friday. Photo: Reuters

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

A vessel transits the Panama Canal. China could move to build a rival waterway in Nicaragua, as it looks to counter pressure from the United States. Photo: Reuters

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

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

Former Cuban president Raul Castro attends a May Day rally in Havana, Cuba, on May 1. Photo: Reuters

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

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Cuba

How overlapping US and China sanctions are complicating business in Africa

Compliance inquiries surge as broad range of industries at risk, spanning mining, banking, telecoms, technology, energy and infrastructure.

At UN, Cuba rallies support against ‘cruel’ and ‘ruthless’ US blockade

More hardship in fuel-starved Cuba, hit by third nationwide blackout this year

Aid for Venezuela, China-Colombia ties: 7 Latin America relations reads

From Argentina’s move towards Beijing to Lula’s beef deal, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in June 2026.

Venezuela earthquakes draw aid from governments that cut ties with Caracas

Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and other governments that suspended relations with the country offer rescue teams and humanitarian aid.

US targets Cuba mining sector to block use of China-linked supply chains

Washington revealed sanctions on foreign-backed mining ventures on Tuesday, which Havana slammed for being ‘dishonest and mendacious’.

Mexico seeks to restart oil shipments to energy-starved Cuba

President Claudia Sheinbaum plans to resume critical fuel deliveries using commercial firms that have permits.

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?

Vietnam has stood by Cuba for 60 years. Now Washington is raising the price of that friendship – and Hanoi must decide what it’s worth.

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

At least seven African nations have agreed to accept deportees who are not their own citizens as part of arrangements with the US.

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.

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