Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning rejected the expansion of visa restrictions on Cuban and third-country officials involved in medical services abroad, stressing that Washington’s accusation of “forced labor” in Cuban medical programs is groundless and an excuse used by Washington to repress countries with different positions.

The diplomat recalled that for more than 60 years Cuba has sent more than 600,000 doctors to 60 nations, including those in the Caribbean, who have provided medical care to more than 230 million people, performed more than 17 million surgeries, and saved at least 12 million lives. She also noted that Cuban medical services have been well received by governments and populations in the region.

The spokeswoman added that these actions are part of more than six decades of blockade and sanctions against Cuba, which have recently intensified.

China urged the United States to immediately halt sanctions against Cuba, remove the country from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, and take decisions that favor the improvement of bilateral relations. It also called on Washington to contribute constructively to the development of Caribbean countries.

Leaders of the Caribbean Community previously expressed their opposition to this US measure, which attacks Cuban medical missions.

The work of Cuban doctors around the world has been recognized by the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization, especially for its significant social impact in nations with limited medical services.

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