'Stop using threats': China takes veiled shot at US over Cuba & Iran in UN speech

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng speaks during the 81st session of the UNGA (Photo: AP). Chinese Vice President Han Zheng indirectly asked the United States to respect the sovereignty of Iran and Cuba during his speech at the UN General Assembly on Saturday."Major countries should have special responsibilities for safeguarding international peace and security, and they should take the lead in complying with the rules, upholding rule of law, and doing what's right," Han said.Zheng did not call out the US by its name, but mentioned it as the "relevant country".Ally in the GulfEarlier, Trump had warned Xi against providing support to the Iranians amid reports of Beijing supplying shoulder-mounted air-defence missile launchers, and helping Iran evade sanctions on its oil sales.On Friday, the US ambassador to China reported that Trump was reassured by the Chinese that they wouldn't indulge in pro-China activities.However, Zheng criticised American actions in the Middle East, displaying a sharp contrast from the earlier warm-toned talks between China and the US."China holds that the sovereignty and security of countries in the Middle East, including the Gulf, should be respected", he sai...