As U.S. Sanctions Ravage Cuba, Other Nations Step Up to Help

Photo by AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa.

The United States' enduring apathy toward furthering relations with Cuba makes it easy to forget how deeply our actions shape the lives of Cubans each and every day. Since 1962, Cuba has suffered under a strict financial and trade embargo imposed by the U.S. In the last 60 years, this embargo has cost Cuba nearly $130 billion.

Subsequently, millions of Cubans have fled to the United States over the past few decades. Each year, over 700,000 Cuban Americans send remittances to family back home. Through various organizations, the United States sends millions of dollars of developmental aid to Cuba each year. Clearly, Cubans and Americans are more interconnected than it may seem at first glance. Despite our ideological differences, building a relationship with Cuba is essential for America's geopolitical strength.

U.S. relations with Cuba appeared to be moving in a positive direction during the Obama administration, which was marked by an easing of travel restrictions and the restoring of diplomatic ties. While the effects for many Cubans were limited, the state witnessed an impressive growth in foreign investment and tourism during this period.

The Trump administration, particularly during his second term in office, has reversed much of this diplomatic progress. President Trump has reinstated the country as a state sponsor of terrorism and strengthened economic sanctions. Most recently, after the capture of Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela, President Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on any nation that sells oil to Cuba.

Trump's actions are devastating for the people of Cuba. Foreign sanctions have crippled the nation for decades, but without oil from Venezuela, Cuba is now in a state of humanitarian crisis. Severe fuel shortages have led to power cuts across the country. Food prices have skyrocketed and garbage is piling up higher and higher on the streets. Without electricity, hospitals are unable to treat patients. Even those who depend on U.S. remittances are suffering, with the Cuban peso hitting an all-time low against the U.S. dollar in informal markets this month.

The rapid deterioration of living conditions sparked by these new economic restrictions makes it clear that for now, America is not interested in strengthening its diplomatic relations with Cuba. Nevertheless, someone has to fill that power vacuum and support the Cuban people—and other countries are moving fast.

On February 11, two Mexican navy ships arrived in Havana with 800 tons of food, milk, and personal hygiene items. More ships are expected to arrive in the coming weeks. Last week, Spain announced that they would send humanitarian aid to the country through UN channels. This week, Chile's outgoing administration announced that they will provide monetary assistance to support the nation. 

If President Trump isn't concerned about the soft power exerted by Mexico or Chile, he might raise an eyebrow at what China and Russia are doing. Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez in Moscow to reaffirm their support for the nation's sovereignty and condemn the ongoing blockade. Reports from Russian news outlets suggest that Russia is preparing humanitarian fuel shipments for the nation.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted in a recent statement that China is willing "to provide support and assistance to the best of our ability", condemning America's interference in Cuba. China has been a growing source of influence on the Cuban economy since the nation joined China's Belt and Road Initiative in 2018. China has funded solar energy projects across the nation, and sent $80 million in humanitarian aid in January.

None of this is flattering for the United States. Letting Cuba bleed out has only opened the door for other states to exert influence on the fragile, desperate nation. States like China and Russia are eager to expand their reach, and Cuba is the perfect opportunity. There is no need for Cuba, a nation less than 100 miles from the Florida Keys, to become a breeding ground for international geopolitical conflict yet again.