Cuba Denounces US Tariff Threat as 'Brutal Act of Aggression'
Cuba has vehemently dismissed US President Donald Trump's tariff threat issued on Friday, labeling it a "brutal act of aggression" against the Caribbean nation. The strong condemnation came after Trump signed an executive order that threatens to impose tariffs on countries that sell oil to Cuba, a move aimed at cutting off a key economic lifeline for the island.
Cuban Foreign Minister's Fiery Response on Social Media
Cuba's Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez, took to the social media platform X to express the government's outrage. In a detailed statement, he denounced the US action, highlighting the prolonged economic blockade that Cuba has endured for over six decades.
"We denounce to the world this brutal act of aggression against Cuba and its people, who for more than 65 years have been subjected to the longest and cruelest economic blockade ever imposed on an entire nation," Rodriguez stated. He warned that this new measure would guarantee extreme living conditions for Cubans, exacerbating an already dire situation.
Accusations of Lies and Regional Threats
Rodriguez further accused the US of relying on a "long list of lies" to portray Cuba as a threat, which he firmly denied. He argued that the real threat to peace and stability in the region stems from the US government's actions.
"Every day brings fresh evidence that the only threat to peace, security, and stability in the region—and the only malign influence—is that exerted by the government of the United States against the nations and peoples of Our America," he added. Rodriguez claimed that the US seeks to subject these nations to its diktat, strip them of resources, and undermine their sovereignty and independence.
US Allegations and Coercion Tactics
The Cuban Foreign Minister also hit back at US allegations, stating that the United States resorts to blackmail and coercion to persuade other countries to join its blockade policy against Cuba. He criticized the threat of arbitrary and abusive tariffs on nations that refuse to comply, calling it a violation of free trade norms.
"EEUU also resorts to blackmail and coercion, in an attempt to persuade other countries to join its universally condemned policy of blockade against Cuba, threatening those who refuse with the imposition of arbitrary and abusive tariffs, in violation of all norms of free trade," Rodriguez emphasized.
State Media Warns of Catastrophic Consequences
Cuba's state-run media responded swiftly to Trump's announcement, issuing stark warnings about the potential impact of the executive order. They cautioned that it could paralyze critical sectors of the Cuban economy, including electricity generation, agricultural production, water supply, and health services.
In a statement broadcast on the nightly TV newscast, the Cuban government posed a grim question: "What is the goal? A genocide of the Cuban people." The statement further asserted that all spheres of life would be suffocated by the US government's actions, highlighting the severity of the threat amid an existing economic crisis.
Details of Trump's Executive Order
The executive order, signed by Trump, declares a national emergency regarding threats posed by the Cuban government to US national security and foreign policy. It establishes a new tariff system that enables the United States to impose additional tariffs on imports from any country that directly or indirectly sells or provides oil to Cuba.
This measure is designed to cut off a key lifeline sustaining the Cuban regime, framing the government as a threat due to its support for hostile actors and practices contrary to US interests. The order is part of a broader effort to hold the Cuban regime accountable while supporting the aspirations of the Cuban people.
Implementation and Potential Modifications
Under the order, the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Commerce are authorized to:
- Issue rules and guidance to implement the tariff mechanism.
- Determine which countries are supplying oil to Cuba.
- Recommend appropriate tariff actions.
The President retains the authority to modify the order if Cuba or affected countries take significant steps that align with US foreign policy and national security objectives, offering a potential pathway for de-escalation.
Broader Context and Implications
This development marks a significant escalation in the long-standing tensions between the United States and Cuba. The tariff threat comes at a time when Cuba is already grappling with a crippling economic crisis, and the new measures could further strain the island's resources and infrastructure.
The Cuban government's strong reaction underscores the deep-seated animosity and the high stakes involved, as both nations navigate this latest chapter in their complex relationship. The international community will be closely watching how this situation unfolds, particularly regarding its impact on regional stability and global trade dynamics.
