The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday urged the US to immediately end the blockade and sanctions, as well as all forms of coercion and pressure against Cuba.

The US president signed an executive order on May 1 to expand sanctions against Cuba, accusing Cuba of continuing to constitute a threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States. On the same day, the Cuban foreign minister said that the US's illegal and unilateral coercive measures are reprehensible and ridiculous and that "they will not intimidate us."

In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry pointed out that the US intensification of illicit and unilateral sanctions against Cuba gravely infringes on the Cuban people's right to subsistence and development and violates the basic norms in international relations.

China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security and opposes interference in Cuba's internal affairs, the ministry said in a statement.