U.S. imposes sanctions on Cuba targeting oil transport network and China-based suppliers

The United States announced new sanctions aimed at networks and companies that Washington says enable Cuba’s military and its access to fuel and technology. The measures, announced by the U.S. State Department, target a transport network for crude oil, state-owned enterprises and China-based suppliers that supply equipment to Cuba’s armed forces.

U.S. officials also said the action expands penalties to whole economic sectors — including electronics, manufacturing, maritime and technology — as part of a broader campaign to pressure the Havana government over its foreign military cooperation and domestic priorities.

Washington names entities and firms

According to the announcements, several entities and individuals were designated for restrictions; U.S. statements named China-based firms accused of procuring weapons and selling surveillance and security equipment to Cuban authorities. Reuters and AP reporting note that the designations follow a wider U.S. push to curb Cuba’s military procurement and partnerships with foreign suppliers.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio framed the move as a national-security and human-rights measure. He said, translated from the original statement, "The measures are aimed at a transport network for crude oil, state-owned enterprises and China-based suppliers who supply the Cuban armed forces."

Rubio added that the administration would not tolerate what he described as the regime redirecting the island’s resources to its military elite and profiting through opaque offshore networks. In his words: "The Trump administration will not stand by while the Cuban regime redirects the island's resources to its military elite, while individuals close to power and their families profit through opaque offshore networks, and while Cuba continues to serve as a launch point for a global coalition of hostile forces to the United States, which threaten, spy on and advocate against the United States and its interests."

Experts and international observers warn the sanctions could exacerbate Cuba’s existing energy and economic difficulties by constraining fuel and equipment imports. The U.S. move forms part of a sequence of measures in recent months aimed at increasing economic pressure on Havana.

Photo: press material from the event