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Miguel Diaz-Canel

Miguel Diaz-Canel
The latest news and top stories on Miguel Diaz-Canel, Cuba’s President since 2018 and the First Secretary of the Communist Party in 2021, succeeding Raúl Castro. An electrical engineer by training, he previously served as Minister of Higher Education and held key provincial leadership roles. He has advocated for social and economic modernisation, including increased internet access, and supported LGBTQ+ rights.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the media before boarding his plane at Homestead Air Base in Miami on Thursday. Photo: AP
China-Latin America relations

US casts Cuba as China-linked security threat while still pushing for talks

Washington portrays Havana as a national security risk tied to Beijing and Moscow while insisting diplomacy remains possible.

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China-Latin America relations

China slams US over Castro charges and ‘unauthorised’ sanctions on Cuba

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China-Latin America relations

US charges Raul Castro as Trump administration ratchets up pressure on Cuba

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China-Latin America relations

US plans to charge Raul Castro increases Trump administration’s pressure on Cuba

US Justice Department preparing to indict ageing Cuban leader on Wednesday over the shooting down of two aircraft three decades ago.

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Former Cuban president Raul Castro attends a May Day rally in Havana, Cuba, on May 1. Photo: Reuters
US-Cuba relations

Cuba warns of ‘bloodbath’ if US attacks as Washington expands sanctions

Cuba’s president defends right to self-defence as US report claims the island has acquired more than 300 military drones.

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.

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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?

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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
Cuba

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.

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.

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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.

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Cuba faces a deepening crisis marked by widespread power outages, acute fuel shortages and growing economic strain, as external pressure and limited supplies weigh on daily life. Photo: EPA
Cuba

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.

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

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.

Cuba

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.

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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.

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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.

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A person walks past a petrol station in Havana, Cuba amid a fuel crisis on the Caribbean island. Photo: EPA
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.

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Cuba

Mexico’s navy searches for 2 Cuba-bound aid boats that are missing

The boats are part of a broader grass roots aid effort for ⁠energy-strapped Cuba as it reels from a US-imposed fuel embargo.

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Cuba

Humanitarian aid boat arrives in Cuba amid US blockade crisis

Shrimp fishing boat with aid docks weeks after the Trump administration cut off fuel supplies to the island nation.

Activists wave Cuban and Palestinian flags from the vessel Maguro in Havana Bay, Cuba. Photo: AP
Donald Trump

Cuba says ready for potential US attack as it recovers from latest blackout

A top Cuban diplomat says regime change is off the table as the US pressures the island with a crippling oil blockade.

Americas and the Caribbean

Cuba rejects ‘shameless’ US request for diesel amid Trump oil blockade

The US embassy in Havana is seeking fuel for its generators even as the rest of the island is plagued by shortages and power outages.

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China-Latin America relations

As Trump ramps up pressure on Cuba, China has ‘very limited options’

Any response from Beijing is likely to be constrained to diplomatic opposition and humanitarian aid, according to analysts.

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Cuba scrambled to restore power on Monday after a nationwide blackout that hit the communist-run island just as US President Donald Trump said he expected to take it over. Photo: AFP
Americas and the Caribbean

Cuba’s leader vows ‘unbreakable resistance’ if US tries to take over island

Cuba’s Miguel Diaz-Canel issued a defiant message after Donald Trump said he might ‘take’ the communist nation.

A street in Havana, as power was being restored on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters
United States

Cuba confirms US talks as island gasps under Trump’s energy blockade

President Miguel Diaz-Canel called the discussion a ‘highly sensitive process’ because it affects bilateral relations of both sides.

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China-Latin America relations

China vows to ‘do what it can’ as US blockade leaves Cuba with just weeks of oil

Beijing pledges continued support for Cuba and champions Havana’s sovereignty as the island grapples with worsening fuel shortages.

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Americas and the Caribbean

Cuba warns airlines it’s almost out of fuel as US blockade tightens chokehold

Air Canada suspends Cuba flights as Havana warns it can no longer guarantee refuelling for international carriers.

A Turkish Airlines plane takes off at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, Cuba on Monday. Photo: AP
Americas and the Caribbean

US pledges food aid for Cuba while putting squeeze on fuel supply

Havana signals a cautious readiness for talks as the island’s leader accuses the US of imposing an ‘energy blockade’.

People sit on the seawall in Regla, Cuba, across the bay from Havana. Photo: AP
US-Venezuela conflict

China sends emergency food aid to Cuba as US sanctions worsen shortages

First batch of rice arrives in Cuba under new Chinese programme while the island reels from abrupt halt in Venezuelan oil shipments.

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US-Venezuela conflict

Cuba’s president denies being in talks with US after Trump threats

Havana rejects ‘make a deal’ ultimatum as Trump vows to cut off Venezuelan oil and money to the communist-run island.

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