Shortly after taking office, Donald Trump reversed Joe Biden’s decision to remove Cuba from the US terror sponsor list. The move has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from China and Russia.
Swift Policy Reversal
In one of his first actions as president, Trump overturned several Biden-era decisions, including Cuba’s delisting. Biden’s administration had removed Cuba from the terror list after the Cuban government agreed to release 553 political prisoners, many of whom were jailed following protests in 2021.
Although Cuba began releasing prisoners, including prominent dissident Daniel Ferrer, Trump reinstated the designation, signaling a shift in US foreign policy.
International Condemnation
China condemned the reinstatement, calling it an act of tyranny and hegemony by the United States. A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry described the decision as baseless and inconsistent with reality.
Russia echoed the criticism, accusing the US of attempting to destabilize Cuba and exacerbate its economic struggles. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova labeled the decision unwarranted and emphasized Cuba’s role in international counterterrorism cooperation.
Economic Ramifications for Cuba
Cuba’s reclassification as a state sponsor of terrorism imposes significant restrictions on foreign investments and financial transactions, worsening the island’s economic challenges.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel accused Trump of intensifying the economic blockade to undermine Cuba’s sovereignty. He described the move as arrogant and a continuation of the US’s long-standing efforts to dominate the nation.
Growing Ties Between Cuba and Russia
Amid heightened US pressure, Cuba has strengthened its partnership with Russia. Moscow pledged support against what it called the US’s illegal and inhumane embargo. Recent collaborations have deepened economic and diplomatic ties between the two nations, with Russia reaffirming its commitment to stand by Cuba.
Trump’s decision underscores a return to a more aggressive stance on Cuba, further straining international relations and fueling regional tensions.