North Korea: "Cuba Anti-Government Protests Orchestrated by Foreign Powers"... Indirectly Targeting the U.S.

In Havana, the capital of the Central American communist country Cuba, police arrested anti-government protesters on the 11th (local time). Across Cuba, amid the worsening COVID-19 situation, simultaneous anti-government protests condemning President Miguel D?az-Canel's administration erupted as food and power shortages intensified. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Tae-min] North Korea indirectly targeted the United States, claiming that the anti-government protests occurring in Cuba were orchestrated by external forces behind the scenes.

On the 16th, North Korea's Foreign Ministry spokesperson issued a statement saying, "The anti-government protests that occurred in Cuba are the result of behind-the-scenes manipulation by external forces aiming to annihilate socialism and revolution, as well as persistent anti-Cuba blockade maneuvers." The statement added, "We condemn and reject the attempts by external forces to interfere in Cuba's internal affairs by using these protests as a pretext to overthrow Cuba's socialist system."

It continued, "We are confident that Cuba will firmly repel foreign interference, successfully overcome the current crisis, and steadfastly maintain political stability," and "We express our full support and solidarity with all efforts and measures taken by the Cuban government and people to protect the achievements of socialism to the end."

Since the 11th (local time), large-scale anti-government protests have continued in Cuba. Citizens, exhausted by shortages of food, medicine, and electricity, appear to have taken to the streets.

The Cuban government initially stated that the protests were caused by social media, U.S. economic sanctions, and agitation, but on the 14th, Cuban President Miguel D?az-Canel acknowledged that the government bore partial responsibility for the protests. However, North Korea, which has emphasized its friendship with Cuba, reiterated in its statement on this day that external forces were behind the anti-government protests in Cuba and placed responsibility on the United States.

It is also noteworthy that this North Korean statement came about three days after U.S. President Joe Biden issued a statement directly supporting the Cuban protesters.

On the 12th, President Biden released a statement saying, "We support their clear message of wanting freedom from decades of oppression under Cuba's authoritarian regime, economic hardship, and the tragic grip of the pandemic," thereby backing the anti-government protests. Subsequently, the White House announced on the 15th that it was considering ways to assist the Cuban people in a humanitarian manner.