Beijing Backs Havana as US Slaps Murder Charges on Raul Castro

The Chinese government has come out strongly in support of Cuba, following the United States' decision to indict former Cuban President Raul Castro on murder-related charges. The charges, which were announced on Wednesday, May 20, are connected to a 1996 incident in which two civilian aircraft were shot down, resulting in the deaths of four people. In response to the development, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun criticized the actions of the US government, urging them to stop what he described as political and judicial pressure on Cuba. 'The US side should stop brandishing the sanctions stick and the judicial stick against Cuba and stop threatening force at every turn,' Guo told reporters during a press briefing. China, according to Guo, firmly supports Cuba in its efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and national dignity, and opposes any form of external interference. The 94-year-old Raul Castro, who is the younger brother of the late Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, has been accused by US prosecutors of murder, conspiracy to kill Americans, and destruction of aircraft. US President Donald Trump has described the indictment as a 'very big moment', but seems to be downplaying the possibility of immediate action against Cuba, whose economy has been facing significant pressure in recent months due to a US oil blockade.