China pushed back against the United States during its address to the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday, September 26, with Vice President Han Zheng calling for respect for the sovereignty of Gulf countries and urging the “relevant country” to stop threatening Cuba and lift its blockade and sanctions against the island.

Although Han did not mention the United States by name, his remarks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and a continuing US pressure campaign against Cuba.

“Major countries should have special responsibilities for safeguarding international peace and security, and they should take the lead in complying with the rules, upholding rule of law, and doing what’s right,” Han said.

He also stated: “China holds that the sovereignty and security of countries in the Middle East, including the Gulf, should be respected.”

Han’s comments followed warnings from US President Donald Trump concerning China’s relationship with Iran. According to US Ambassador to China, Trump had warned Chinese President Xi Jinping during recent Washington talks against providing support to Tehran, with Xi providing assurances that Beijing would not do so.

The warning came after reports that China had supplied Iran with shoulder-fired air-defence missile launchers and that Tehran had used Chinese assistance to find ways around sanctions affecting its oil exports.

China’s position on Iran was delivered against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The conflict began with US-Israeli strikes against Iran in February and has remained a major issue in international diplomacy.

Han also devoted part of his UN address to Cuba, calling for an end to US pressure on the country.

“China urges the relevant country to immediately stop using threat of force against Cuba and immediately and completely lift the blockade and sanctions against Cuba,” Han said.

His comments came as Cuba continues to experience serious problems with its electricity system. The country’s electrical grid suffered a total collapse earlier in September, leaving millions of people without power.

Cuba’s power infrastructure had already been under significant pressure because of fuel shortages and ageing facilities. China’s statement linked the worsening situation to the US oil blockade that began in January, which Beijing said had contributed to further difficulties for the island’s energy system.

The Cuban government has continued to face economic and energy challenges while Washington maintains sanctions and other restrictions against Havana.

Han used the speech to present China as a supporter of developing countries and a defender of what Beijing describes as a more cooperative international system.

“China holds that all countries, big or small, are equal members of the international community, and that world affairs should be handled by all through consultation,” Han said.

The Chinese vice president’s remarks came only days after Trump hosted Xi at the White House in Washington. The meeting featured a highly public display of diplomatic engagement, including military flyovers and a state dinner.

The contrasting developments highlighted the complexity of US-China relations. While Washington and Beijing have maintained high-level diplomatic contacts, the two countries continue to differ over several international issues, including Iran, Cuba and broader questions about the use of economic and military pressure.

Han’s remarks also placed emphasis on the principle of national sovereignty, particularly regarding countries in the Middle East. China has repeatedly called for disputes involving regional countries to be addressed through diplomatic channels and has opposed actions it considers violations of national sovereignty.

The comments regarding the Gulf were particularly significant because the region remains closely connected to the conflict with Iran and the security of major international energy routes.

China’s intervention at the UN therefore brought several separate international disputes into a single diplomatic message. Beijing defended the sovereignty and security of Gulf countries, criticized pressure against Cuba and presented consultation and respect for international rules as central principles of its foreign policy.

The speech also demonstrated that despite recent high-level engagement between Trump and Xi, Washington and Beijing continue to hold differing positions on major geopolitical issues.

China’s statements on Iran and Cuba are likely to remain part of the wider diplomatic debate surrounding the conflicts and sanctions involving the two countries, as governments at the United Nations continue discussions about regional security, sovereignty and international cooperation.