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Cuba

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Cuba. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Havana

Head of State

President Miguel Díaz-Canel

Head of Government

Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz

CIA Director John Ratcliffe boards a US government plane in Havana on Thursday. Photo: Reuters

Americas and the Caribbean

CIA chief makes rare Cuba visit as island runs out of oil

Meeting in Havana comes as tensions between the two sides remain high over the US energy blockade.

15 May 2026 - 2:55PMvideocam

2026 Xi-Trump summit

US renews US$100 million Cuba aid offer as Trump raises island with Xi

14 May 2026 - 4:45AMvideocam

United States

Trump says Cuba is seeking help, will hold talks

12 May 2026 - 9:31PMvideocam

Diplomacy

Opinion | Latin America is reassessing the benefits of warm ties with Beijing

From Honduras to Cuba and Venezuela, leaders are taking a more transactional view of what relations with Beijing really bring.

11 May 2026 - 9:31PMvideocam

Honduran President Nasry Asfura, seen during general elections in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, on November 30, has ordered a review of deals with Beijing after Tegucigalpa cut ties with Taipei. Photo: AP

Ukraine war

Putin says he thinks Ukraine conflict is coming to an end

The Russian leader added that a meeting with Ukraine’s Zelensky was possible only once a lasting peace deal was reached.

10 May 2026 - 8:55AMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

Lula won’t sideline China on rare earths, tells Trump refining stays in Brazil

In a three-hour White House meeting on Thursday, Brazil’s president pitched his country’s minerals to all comers.

8 May 2026 - 7:05AMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

US targets Cuba nickel operation in move affecting China-linked supply chains

Marco Rubio revealed sanctions on Thursday, escalating Trump administration’s pressure campaign against Havana’s military-controlled economy.

8 May 2026 - 5:48AMvideocam

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions on Thursday against Moa Nickel SA, a joint venture between Sherritt International and Cuba’s state-owned General Nickel Company. Photo: Xinhua

Italy

Rubio meets Pope Leo at Vatican to defuse tensions with Trump

The meeting comes amid the US president’s repeated attacks on the pontiff over the Iran war and nuclear weapons.

7 May 2026 - 10:04PMvideocam

United States

Is Rubio’s star rising in Trump world? Duel with Vance for 2028 heats up

Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s relaxed White House podium debut fuels buzz about his future.

6 May 2026 - 4:38PM

2026 Xi-Trump summit

China trip will go ahead as planned – and it will be amazing, Trump insists

US president says the visit will go ahead as planned later this month despite the ongoing stalemate in peace talks with Iran.

2 May 2026 - 9:10PMvideocam

US President Donald Trump said his upcoming visit to China will be great. Photo: AP

United States

Trump expands Cuba sanctions with global reach, targeting foreign banks and firms

New executive order allows US to penalise third-country actors, raising risks for international companies.

2 May 2026 - 4:25AMvideocam

Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel (centre, in red hat) marches in a May Day parade in Havana, Cuba, on Friday. Photo: pool via Reuters

China-Latin America relations

Beijing backs Cuba, Chile reveals smuggling ring: Latin America relations reads

From a smuggling ring in Chile to rare earth wrangling in Brazil, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in March 2026.

1 May 2026 - 11:00PM

US-China relations

Could Chinese mathematicians tip the balance in a US conference boycott?

Petition signed by 2,300 scholars from 80 countries urges ‘World Cup’ to be moved due to American policies towards foreign academics.

1 May 2026 - 7:30PM

China-Latin America relations

Senate vote leaves Cuba’s uncertain future at dangerous crossroads

US Democrats failed on Tuesday in another attempt to limit Donald Trump’s authority to use military force against Cuba, so what’s next?

1 May 2026 - 8:30AMvideocam

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has repeatedly ruled out political concessions to the US, insisting sovereignty and the country’s system of governance are non-negotiable. Photo: EPA

US, Israel war on Iran

China is poised to reap rewards as energy shock heats up the race for renewables

The US war on Iran may have inadvertently triggered a global transition that will favour Beijing’s green leadership, analysts predict.

26 Apr 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

Solar panels on a residential building in Matanzas, Cuba. Photo: AFP

Science

Will China’s mathematicians join a global effort to boycott the United States?

Question hovers as world’s premier mathematics conference faces revolt over American visa rules and foreign policies.

26 Apr 2026 - 6:00AMvideocam

Americas and the Caribbean

Cuba confirms rare Havana talks with US officials

A senior diplomat describes ‘professional’ meetings as Havana seeks an end to the US oil blockade.

21 Apr 2026 - 12:14PM

Venezuela

Cuba’s president says island does not wish for US aggression, but ready to fight

Cuba has been bracing for a possible attack following repeated warnings from Trump after he toppled Venezuela’s leader.

17 Apr 2026 - 11:35AM

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel marking the 65th anniversary of Fidel Castro’s declaration of the socialist character of the Cuban Revolution. Photo: Reuters

Americas and the Caribbean

Cuba’s president warns US against attacking island or trying to depose him

Miguel Diaz-Canel said an invasion of Cuba would be costly and affect regional security but should it happen, Cubans would defend themselves.

13 Apr 2026 - 2:11AMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

China, Russia rally behind Cuba as US squeezes Havana in deepening crisis

‘China is willing to work with the international community to firmly support Cuba,’ said a Beijing spokesperson.

11 Apr 2026 - 4:30AMvideocam

US-China relations

Opinion | A stark clash of world views will overshadow Trump’s visit to China

As Xi and Trump prepare to meet, the divergence between their visions of global order has never been more acute.

10 Apr 2026 - 10:29AMvideocam

Donald Trump

A new cast of Castros is emerging in Cuba, where the name holds sway

Younger Castros emerge as key figures on the communist-run island - including a bar-owning influencer.

7 Apr 2026 - 1:44PM

A charcoal seller in Havana waits for customers while sitting next to a poster of the late Cuban revolution leader Fidel Castro. Photo: Reuters

US-Cuba relations

Cuba pardons 2,010 prisoners in ‘humanitarian’ gesture amid US pressure

Mass release follows Trump’s decision to allow Russian oil into the fuel-starved island.

3 Apr 2026 - 12:50PM

China-Latin America relations

US threats for Chile, China tariffs Mexico: 7 Latin America relations reads

From Panama Canal woes to an undersea cable scandal in Chile, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in March 2026.

1 Apr 2026 - 11:00PM

US-Cuba relations

Fidel Castro’s grandson backs capitalism and Trump deal, slams Cuba leader

Sandro Castro said most ‘Cubans want to be capitalist, not communist’ amid worsening power outages and an economic crisis.

1 Apr 2026 - 2:34PMvideocam

Sandro Castro Arteaga. Photo: Instagram/sandro_castrox

Venezuela

Russian oil tanker arrives in Cuba as Moscow vows to stand by Havana

Cuba became dependent on the Soviet Union for oil after its communist revolution ⁠in 1959.

30 Mar 2026 - 6:58PMvideocam

A street without power during a nationwide blackout in Havana on March 22, 2026. Photo: TNS

Americas and the Caribbean

US to allow Russian oil tanker to reach Cuba in lifeline for the island

Cuba has not received an oil tanker in three months, according to its president, leading to strict petrol rationing and blackouts.

30 Mar 2026 - 11:20AMvideocam

Americas and the Caribbean

Missing aid boats safely crossed to Cuba, US coastguard says

The Mexican Navy had earlier launched a search and rescue mission after losing communication with the two vessels.

28 Mar 2026 - 1:32AMvideocam

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Cuba

CIA chief makes rare Cuba visit as island runs out of oil

Meeting in Havana comes as tensions between the two sides remain high over the US energy blockade.

US renews US$100 million Cuba aid offer as Trump raises island with Xi

Trump says Cuba is seeking help, will hold talks

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Latin America is reassessing the benefits of warm ties with Beijing

From Honduras to Cuba and Venezuela, leaders are taking a more transactional view of what relations with Beijing really bring.

Putin says he thinks Ukraine conflict is coming to an end

The Russian leader added that a meeting with Ukraine’s Zelensky was possible only once a lasting peace deal was reached.

Lula won’t sideline China on rare earths, tells Trump refining stays in Brazil

In a three-hour White House meeting on Thursday, Brazil’s president pitched his country’s minerals to all comers.

US targets Cuba nickel operation in move affecting China-linked supply chains

Marco Rubio revealed sanctions on Thursday, escalating Trump administration’s pressure campaign against Havana’s military-controlled economy.

Rubio meets Pope Leo at Vatican to defuse tensions with Trump

The meeting comes amid the US president’s repeated attacks on the pontiff over the Iran war and nuclear weapons.

Is Rubio’s star rising in Trump world? Duel with Vance for 2028 heats up

Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s relaxed White House podium debut fuels buzz about his future.

China trip will go ahead as planned – and it will be amazing, Trump insists

US president says the visit will go ahead as planned later this month despite the ongoing stalemate in peace talks with Iran.

Trump expands Cuba sanctions with global reach, targeting foreign banks and firms

New executive order allows US to penalise third-country actors, raising risks for international companies.

Beijing backs Cuba, Chile reveals smuggling ring: Latin America relations reads

From a smuggling ring in Chile to rare earth wrangling in Brazil, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in March 2026.

Could Chinese mathematicians tip the balance in a US conference boycott?

Petition signed by 2,300 scholars from 80 countries urges ‘World Cup’ to be moved due to American policies towards foreign academics.

Senate vote leaves Cuba’s uncertain future at dangerous crossroads

US Democrats failed on Tuesday in another attempt to limit Donald Trump’s authority to use military force against Cuba, so what’s next?

China is poised to reap rewards as energy shock heats up the race for renewables

The US war on Iran may have inadvertently triggered a global transition that will favour Beijing’s green leadership, analysts predict.

Will China’s mathematicians join a global effort to boycott the United States?

Question hovers as world’s premier mathematics conference faces revolt over American visa rules and foreign policies.

Cuba confirms rare Havana talks with US officials

A senior diplomat describes ‘professional’ meetings as Havana seeks an end to the US oil blockade.

Cuba’s president says island does not wish for US aggression, but ready to fight

Cuba has been bracing for a possible attack following repeated warnings from Trump after he toppled Venezuela’s leader.

Cuba’s president warns US against attacking island or trying to depose him

Miguel Diaz-Canel said an invasion of Cuba would be costly and affect regional security but should it happen, Cubans would defend themselves.

China, Russia rally behind Cuba as US squeezes Havana in deepening crisis

‘China is willing to work with the international community to firmly support Cuba,’ said a Beijing spokesperson.

Opinion | A stark clash of world views will overshadow Trump’s visit to China

As Xi and Trump prepare to meet, the divergence between their visions of global order has never been more acute.

A new cast of Castros is emerging in Cuba, where the name holds sway

Younger Castros emerge as key figures on the communist-run island - including a bar-owning influencer.

Cuba pardons 2,010 prisoners in ‘humanitarian’ gesture amid US pressure

Mass release follows Trump’s decision to allow Russian oil into the fuel-starved island.

US threats for Chile, China tariffs Mexico: 7 Latin America relations reads

From Panama Canal woes to an undersea cable scandal in Chile, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in March 2026.

Fidel Castro’s grandson backs capitalism and Trump deal, slams Cuba leader

Sandro Castro said most ‘Cubans want to be capitalist, not communist’ amid worsening power outages and an economic crisis.

Russian oil tanker arrives in Cuba as Moscow vows to stand by Havana

Cuba became dependent on the Soviet Union for oil after its communist revolution ⁠in 1959.

US to allow Russian oil tanker to reach Cuba in lifeline for the island

Cuba has not received an oil tanker in three months, according to its president, leading to strict petrol rationing and blackouts.

Missing aid boats safely crossed to Cuba, US coastguard says

The Mexican Navy had earlier launched a search and rescue mission after losing communication with the two vessels.

Opinion | Latin America is reassessing the benefits of warm ties with Beijing