The Trump administration imposed sanctions on two Chinese defense suppliers, Cuban state enterprises and an oil-shipping network while expanding its authority to target four sectors of Cuba’s economy.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration announced a new round of sanctions Thursday, Nov. 5, targeting Chinese companies accused of supplying Cuba’s armed forces, state-controlled businesses and an international oil-shipping network as Washington intensifies economic pressure on the Cuban government.
The measures designate eight entities and two individuals, while identifying five vessels as blocked property. The Treasury Department also expanded sanctions authority over Cuba’s electronics, manufacturing, maritime and technology industries, potentially exposing additional foreign businesses to U.S. penalties.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the restrictions in a State Department statement detailing the sanctions, accusing Cuban officials of diverting resources toward military interests and politically connected businesses while ordinary residents face worsening economic conditions.
“Cuba’s ruling elite is hoarding the island’s energy, shipping, and technology resources for its own enrichment, leaving the Cuban people to contend with blackouts, shortages, and a stagnant economy,” Rubio said.
The sanctions specifically identify China National Electronic Import and Export Company, known as CEIEC, and Beijing H&C Technologies Co. Ltd., two China-based firms the administration accuses of helping supply equipment to Cuba’s military.
According to U.S. officials, CEIEC worked with the Cuban military procurement company Sociedad Mercantil Duna S.A. to export components intended for equipment used by Cuba’s Ministry of Revolutionary Armed Forces during 2026.
Beijing H&C Technologies was also accused of cooperating with Duna to export military equipment to the island.
The designations are intended to restrict the companies’ access to the U.S. financial system and prevent Americans from conducting prohibited transactions with them.
The administration also sanctioned Cuban state-owned enterprises CUBAELECTRONICA and TECNOSIME, which U.S. officials identified as supporting government technology and military-related activities.
The measures extend beyond defense suppliers to businesses involved in moving Cuban crude oil through international shipping networks.
Four shipping companies were designated: Cyprus-based Caroil Transport Marine Ltd., Panama-based Tentacool Commercial Inc., and Cuba-based Internacional Maritima S.A. and Petroleos Maritimos del Caribe S.A., also known as PETROMARCA.
Five vessels — Esperanza, Gloria C, Maria Cristina, Emilia and Lourdes — were identified as blocked property.
The sanctions also target Guillermo Faustino Rodriguez Lopez Calleja, whom U.S. officials accuse of participating in offshore arrangements used to transport Cuban crude oil.
A second individual, Any Rodriguez Lastres, was designated because of her alleged connections to the government’s financial networks. She is the daughter of Ania Guillermina Lastres Morera, president of Cuba’s military-linked business conglomerate Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A., or GAESA, who was previously sanctioned by Washington.
The restrictions generally block property and financial interests of designated individuals and entities within U.S. jurisdiction and prohibit most transactions involving American persons without authorization.
The Treasury Department’s additional sectoral determination expands Washington’s ability to impose sanctions on foreign individuals or companies operating in designated parts of Cuba’s economy. It does not automatically sanction every business operating in those sectors.
Rubio described the measures as part of a broader effort to dismantle networks that Washington believes sustain Cuba’s Communist government.
“The Trump administration will not stand by while the Cuban regime funnels the island’s resources to its military elite, while regime insiders and their family members profit from opaque offshore networks, and while Cuba continues to serve as a staging ground for a global coalition of hostile anti-American actors to threaten, spy on, and plot against the United States and its interests,” Rubio said.
The administration’s latest action follows several rounds of sanctions targeting Cuba’s military-controlled businesses, energy infrastructure and international commercial relationships.
As Just the News reported in its coverage of Thursday’s announcement, the restrictions form part of President Donald Trump’s effort to increase economic pressure on Havana and encourage political change.
Cuba has been struggling with severe electricity shortages, deteriorating infrastructure, fuel scarcity and a prolonged economic crisis. Power outages lasting more than 24 hours have affected some communities, while limited fuel supplies have disrupted transportation and essential services.
The Trump administration has also threatened additional economic penalties against countries providing oil to Cuba, increasing pressure on the island’s energy supply.
Cuban authorities have blamed U.S. sanctions and the longstanding American embargo for exacerbating the country’s difficulties. Washington maintains that the Cuban government’s economic policies and allocation of resources have contributed substantially to the crisis.
The renewed sanctions have also brought China into the dispute through allegations that Chinese companies supplied military equipment to Havana. The accusations could further complicate relations between Washington and Beijing.
The broader policy changes, including the new sanctions authority, are detailed in additional reporting on the administration’s measures.
Thursday’s announcement represents another expansion of U.S. restrictions against Cuba, targeting both the government’s domestic financial operations and international companies Washington accuses of helping sustain its military capabilities.
The measures take effect as the administration continues seeking to limit the Cuban government’s access to foreign financing, military equipment and revenue from overseas commercial operations.
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