China has accused the United States of using alleged “forced labor” as a pretext to suppress dissent and called on Washington to stop maintaining the blockade and sanctions against Cuba under any pretext.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning recalled on Wednesday that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio last month expanded the visa restriction policy against Cuban officials allegedly linked to a labor program that sends Cuban health workers abroad. The new restrictions target individuals believed to be responsible for the program and their immediate family members. Rubio had described this program as “forced labor”. Caribbean Community (CARICOM) foreign ministers expressed their concerns about this decision at a meeting with US Special Envoy to Latin America Mauricio Claver-Carone earlier this month. Many leaders in the region have criticized the US move, with some prime ministers saying they would rather lose the right to enter the United States than be denied health care for their citizens.
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202503/20/WS67db78d4a310c240449dbd8c.html
