Rubio: US Committed to Changing Cuba's Communist System

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned today that the United States is committed to changing Cuba's communist system. According to AFP, the U.S. recently indicted former Cuban President Raúl Castro on murder and other charges as part of ongoing pressure on the Cuban government. The U.S. military announced that the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and its strike group arrived in the Caribbean this week. When asked if this move was intended to intimidate Cuba, President Trump said, "Absolutely not." Rubio, a Cuban-American who frequently criticizes the Cuban government, described Cuba, just 90 miles (145 kilometers) from the U.S., as a "failed state" and said the country is in a severe economic crisis. Speaking to reporters in Miami, he stated, "Their economic system doesn't work, it has collapsed, and it cannot be fixed under the existing political system." He added, "For years, they have consistently adopted a delaying tactic, waiting for us to change our position. But they can no longer sustain themselves by delaying or waiting. We are very serious and very focused." Rubio said the U.S. has always preferred "diplomatic solutions" but warned that Trump still has other means to address what he perceives as threats. He also stated that Cuba has consistently posed a national security threat to the U.S., pointing to Cuba's increasing cooperation with China and Russia in weapons and intelligence. Rubio mentioned that Cuba has initially accepted a $100 million (approximately NT$3.2 billion) aid package proposed by the U.S. Washington views this funding as an incentive for Cuba to undertake reforms, but he also noted that it is currently unclear whether the U.S. will accept Cuba's conditions, as Washington insists on bypassing the military-dominated corporate system that controls Cuba's economy.