The Trump administration on Wednesday publicly announced an offer of US$100 million in humanitarian aid to Cuba, increasing pressure on Havana despite Beijing. continued political and economic support to the island.
The announcement came as US President Donald Trump he traveled to China this week for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, while Trump said before leaving that Cuba would be among the issues discussed during the visit.
In a statement released Wednesday, the State Department said the aid would be distributed through the Catholic Church and other independent humanitarian organizations, while accusing the communist government of Cuba of rejecting previous US aid, including help with satellite internet access.
“The decision remains with the Cuban government to accept our assistance or to refuse vital life-saving assistance,” the department said, adding that Cuban authorities will ultimately be held accountable to the population if they block the proposal.
The South China Morning Post contacted the US Conference of Catholic Bishops on Wednesday seeking information on the proposal, but did not immediately receive a response.
Before leaving for Beijing, Trump proposed Havana was looking for a conversation with Washington despite his administration’s strong pressure campaign against the island.
