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Miguel Diaz-Canel

The latest news and top stories on Miguel Diaz-Canel, Cuba’s President since 2018 and the First Secretary of the Communist Party in 2021, succeeding Raúl Castro. An electrical engineer by training, he previously served as Minister of Higher Education and held key provincial leadership roles. He has advocated for social and economic modernisation, including increased internet access, and supported LGBTQ+ rights.

Havana, Cuba as it battles its latest power blackout. Photo: Reuters

Donald Trump

Cuba says ready for potential US attack as it recovers from latest blackout

A top Cuban diplomat says regime change is off the table as the US pressures the island with a crippling oil blockade.

6 minutes ago

Americas and the Caribbean

Cuba rejects ‘shameless’ US request for diesel amid Trump oil blockade

22 Mar 2026 - 7:39AMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

As Trump ramps up pressure on Cuba, China has ‘very limited options’

19 Mar 2026 - 12:30PMvideocam

Americas and the Caribbean

Cuba’s leader vows ‘unbreakable resistance’ if US tries to take over island

Cuba’s Miguel Diaz-Canel issued a defiant message after Donald Trump said he might ‘take’ the communist nation.

18 Mar 2026 - 1:01PM

A street in Havana, as power was being restored on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

United States

Cuba confirms US talks as island gasps under Trump’s energy blockade

President Miguel Diaz-Canel called the discussion a ‘highly sensitive process’ because it affects bilateral relations of both sides.

13 Mar 2026 - 8:43PMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

China vows to ‘do what it can’ as US blockade leaves Cuba with just weeks of oil

Beijing pledges continued support for Cuba and champions Havana’s sovereignty as the island grapples with worsening fuel shortages.

12 Feb 2026 - 7:38AMvideocam

Americas and the Caribbean

Cuba warns airlines it’s almost out of fuel as US blockade tightens chokehold

Air Canada suspends Cuba flights as Havana warns it can no longer guarantee refuelling for international carriers.

10 Feb 2026 - 3:33PM

A Turkish Airlines plane takes off at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, Cuba on Monday. Photo: AP

Americas and the Caribbean

US pledges food aid for Cuba while putting squeeze on fuel supply

Havana signals a cautious readiness for talks as the island’s leader accuses the US of imposing an ‘energy blockade’.

6 Feb 2026 - 3:35PM

US-Venezuela conflict

China sends emergency food aid to Cuba as US sanctions worsen shortages

First batch of rice arrives in Cuba under new Chinese programme while the island reels from abrupt halt in Venezuelan oil shipments.

21 Jan 2026 - 6:19PMvideocam

US-Venezuela conflict

Cuba’s president denies being in talks with US after Trump threats

Havana rejects ‘make a deal’ ultimatum as Trump vows to cut off Venezuelan oil and money to the communist-run island.

13 Jan 2026 - 10:40AMvideocam

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel speaks during an event held in support of Venezuela, in Havana on January 3. Photo: EPA

Donald Trump

Cuba defiant after Trump threat to cut off ‘oil and money’ lifeline

Cuban president says island is prepared to ‘defend homeland to last drop of blood’ as Trump ramps up pressure after action in Venezuela.

12 Jan 2026 - 4:26PMvideocam

Cubans rally in Havana on January 3 in solidarity with Venezuela after the US captured President Nicolas Maduro and flew him out of the country. Photo: AP

Natural disasters

Death toll rises as Caribbean nations dig out after Hurricane Melissa

Dozens are dead and missing after monster storm Melissa thrashes Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba.

30 Oct 2025 - 3:04PM

China’s Communist Party

China’s party diplomacy in play as communist leaders gather for parade

A day of summitry show’s the central outreach role of the International Department.

6 Sep 2025 - 11:00AMvideocam

China’s military drills

China’s allies give top marks for parade but the West is not won over

Russia, Iran and Cuba credit the host with showcasing the strength of the Chinese military.

4 Sep 2025 - 6:14PMvideocam

(Left to right) Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un are seen ahead of the parade. Photo: TASS via ZUMA Press/dpa

Americas and the Caribbean

Cuba minister resigns after saying her country has no beggars

Cuba’s labour minister draws fire for asserting those seen begging in her economically depressed country were pretending to be poor.

16 Jul 2025 - 11:27AM

A woman in Havana, Cuba. searches through a dumpster looking for useful items. Photo: AP