China Urges End to US Cuba Sanctions and Iran Pressure at UN

At the U.N. General Assembly, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng called for respect for the sovereignty and security of Middle Eastern countries, including those in the Gulf, and urged major powers to follow international rules. Without naming the United States, he also called for an end to threats against Cuba and for the lifting of the U.S. blockade and sanctions. His remarks came amid U.S.-China tensions over Iran, including reports of Chinese assistance to Tehran, and contrasted with the warm reception Chinese leader Xi Jinping had received during a recent visit to Washington. Han presented China as a defender of equal treatment for nations and consultation in global affairs.