Beijing condemns a US arrest warrant issued in Florida for former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, tied to the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft. China’s foreign ministry says the warrant relies on judicial “abuses” and is used to pressure Havana rather than to pursue legitimate legal action.
At a regular briefing in Beijing, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning referred to Castro as “comrade” and described him as a leader held in high international regard. China also links the dispute to broader US policy toward Cuba, calling on Washington to end coercive measures and urging an end to the US embargo.
Outlets covering the story emphasize different parts of Beijing’s response. The South China Morning Post highlights the language Mao Ning uses (“comrade Raul”) and China’s characterisation of the warrant as court-driven pressure. The Rio Times foregrounds China’s rejection of the warrant and its call to end the embargo. Free Malaysia Today leads with China’s condemnation and its demand that Washington stop “all forms of coercion and pressure” against Cuba.
