Beijing’s Big Stick in Havana

Last week, China and Russia chimed in on the latest spat between Cuba and the United States. The trigger was a long-expected move: the Trump administration filed criminal charges against former Cuban president Raul Castro. While Washington sought to exert its influence over Havana, China and Russia chose to wield their considerable diplomatic weight.

Beijing views the US approach as bullying – or, in Guo Jiakun’s words, “wielding the big stick of sanctions and judicial measures.” This reaction from China is striking, given the country’s reputation for directness. It suggests that Beijing sees more at stake here than mere regional politics.

China’s concern for Cuba stems from its own history. In 1959, Fidel Castro’s revolution nationalized US assets, prompting Washington to sever diplomatic ties with the island. The two nations have been locked in a Cold War-esque standoff ever since. Beijing has invested heavily in Cuba’s infrastructure and energy sector, and may see an opportunity to pivot this relationship.

Russia’s rebuke of the US is less surprising given its long-standing alliance with Havana. Moscow and Washington have clashed on multiple fronts – Ukraine, Syria, and election meddling among others. In this instance, Russia appears more interested in defending a long-time ally than challenging US authority directly.

The Chinese foreign ministry spokesman’s warning also raises questions about Beijing’s intentions toward the United States. While not explicitly stated, it implies that China will not tolerate further “big stick” tactics from Washington. Given the ongoing trade war and increasing tensions between the two nations, this warning is aimed as much at Washington as Havana.

Beijing’s stance on US-Cuba relations has significant implications for North Korea. The US has long used Cuba as a testing ground for its “maximum pressure” campaign on Pyongyang. If China is willing to defend Cuba against American sanctions, it’s unclear whether Beijing would intervene if a similar scenario unfolded in the Korean Peninsula.

Historically, China has walked a fine line between supporting its allies and maintaining good relations with Washington. However, this delicate balancing act has become increasingly strained in recent years. The visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Beijing on the same day as Castro’s charges being filed is also noteworthy. The two leaders have been strengthening their alliance, driven by a shared desire to challenge US dominance and assert their own global influence.

Their united front against American aggression sends a clear message: Washington would do well to reevaluate its Cuba policy. As of writing, it remains unclear whether China will continue to provide diplomatic cover for Havana or expand its involvement in the region. One thing is certain – Beijing’s stance on US-Cuba relations has set a new benchmark for the administration in Washington.