Pakistan, Feb. 10 -- China has pledged to help Cuba as the Caribbean nation faces growing fuel shortages and international pressure, state officials said. Beijing said it supports Havana's national sovereignty and security and opposes external interference. China will provide assistance "to the best of its ability," a foreign ministry spokesman told reporters.

The announcement came as the United Nations warned of worsening fuel shortages and their impact on everyday life in Cuba, where energy and aviation fuel supplies have plunged. The shortages follow US threats of tariffs on countries supplying oil to the island, after Washington stepped up pressure on Cuba.

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