China's response to the US decision to suspend visas because of Mais Médicos

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning criticized the United States' decision on Friday, the 22nd, to cancel visas for individuals involved in Cuban government medical missions abroad. The measure affected Brazilians involved in the Mais Médicos program.

According to Ning, Washington is using a “false pretext” to repress other countries.

On August 13, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the revocation of the visas of Mozart Julio Tabosa Sales , Secretary of Specialized Health Care at the Ministry of Health, and Alberto Kleiman , former International Relations advisor at the ministry.

"Our action sends an unequivocal message that the United States promotes accountability for those who support the Cuban regime's forced labor export scheme," the State Department said at the time.

Last Friday the 15th, Donald Trump's government canceled the visas of the wife and ten-year-old daughter of the Minister of Health, Alexandre Padilha (PT).

In a press conference this Friday, Mao Ning stated that the work of Cuban doctors abroad played a relevant role in the health systems of Latin American and Caribbean countries, as well as African nations.

“So-called 'forced labor' has become a false pretext and a tool of hegemony for the United States to repress other countries” , criticized the spokesperson. "The US measures represent an extension and escalation of its more than 60 years of unpopular sanctions and blockade against Cuba."

Ning stressed that China opposes "coercive diplomacy" and urged the United States to immediately end the blockade and sanctions against Cuba, as well as adopt measures that help improve relations with Havana and promote peace and stability in the region.