Responding to a reporter’s question at a press briefing this morning, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stated:

“Vietnam is deeply concerned about the new US measure to impose additional tariffs on goods from countries supplying oil to Cuba. This action seriously affects the economic activities, society, and daily life of the Cuban people.”

She affirmed Vietnam’s consistent support for the United Nations General Assembly’s long-standing resolutions urging the United States to lift its unilateral embargo on Cuba.

“Once again, Vietnam strongly reaffirms its traditional solidarity and friendship with the Cuban people,” she emphasized.

The new measure was announced on January 29 through an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump, declaring a “national emergency” that allows for the establishment of a special tariff regime targeting trade with Cuba.

The move has drawn criticism from various countries, who argue that it violates international law and risks triggering a humanitarian crisis on the Caribbean island.

On Cuba’s side, First Secretary and President Miguel Díaz-Canel affirmed the country’s willingness to engage in dialogue with the US, but firmly rejected negotiations conducted under pressure. Cuba is currently facing prolonged fuel shortages and electricity blackouts, adding to the population’s hardships.

Tran Thuong