BEIJING - China on Wednesday urged the United States to immediately lift sanctions against Cuba and remove Cuba from the list of "state sponsors of terrorism."

Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to comment on US President Donald Trump signing a memorandum on Monday to toughen US policy on Cuba.

READ MORE: China urges US to immediately cease blockade against Cuba

Mao said over the past 60-plus years, the United States has imposed a brutal blockade and illegal sanctions on Cuba, seriously violating Cuba's right to subsistence and development, violating the basic norms governing international relations, and causing profound disasters to the Cuban people.

READ MORE: Spokesperson: China urges US to lift blockade against Cuba at once

China firmly supports Cuba in following a development path that suits its national conditions and opposes the US unilateral sanctions under the guise of so-called freedom and democracy, Mao said.

To lift sanctions against Cuba and remove it from the list of "state sponsors of terrorism" is also a common call from the international community, the spokesperson added.