China challenges US on Iran, Cuba at UN General Assembly

China levelled criticism at Washington during its address to the UN General Assembly on Saturday, taking aim at American foreign policy in two key regions. Beijing stressed that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the Persian Gulf must be respected, in an apparent reference to US Middle East policies. The Chinese delegation also called on what it described as the "relevant country" to cease its threats against Cuba and remove the long-standing economic blockade imposed on the island nation. The remarks underscored deepening tensions between the world's two largest economies as they continue to clash over a range of geopolitical issues. China's statement reflects its positioning as a counterweight to US influence in regions where Beijing has expanding economic and strategic interests. The public exchange at the UN highlights how global forums have increasingly become venues for direct confrontation between Washington and Beijing on matters of international concern.