ISTANBUL 

China on Thursday expressed support for Cuba safeguarding its “national sovereignty” and rejected any “unwarranted” external interference.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the comments during a meeting with his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla in Beijing, saying that “upholding fairness and justice” has always been a “consistent principle” of China's foreign policy.

Wang said amid a shifting international landscape, China and Cuba have always maintained “sincere mutual trust and stood together,” according to a statement on the ministry website.

“China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security, opposes unwarranted interference by external forces, and rejects any attempt to deprive the Cuban people of their right to survival and development,” said Wang.

He added that Beijing is ready to work with Havana to advance “friendly ties between the two countries, and work with like-minded countries in renewed efforts to enhance solidarity among the Global South and uphold regional and global peace.”

The meeting came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last month that the US wants regime change in Cuba. “That doesn't mean that we're going to make a change, but we would love to see a change,” he said.

US President Donald Trump on Jan. 30 signed an executive order imposing tariffs on goods from countries supplying oil to Cuba.

The White House said the decision was intended to protect US national security and foreign policy interests from what it called Cuba’s “harmful actions and policies.”

On Feb. 1, Trump said discussions with Cuba had started, adding: “I think they’re going to come to us and want to make a deal. Then Cuba will be free again.”

Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, however, said there is no ongoing negotiation process with Washington, although Cuba remains open to dialogue.