BEIJING - Fabricating excuses and smearing cannot be the reason for the United States to impose brutal blockades and illegal sanctions on Cuba, Beijing said on Wednesday.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked about the US accusation that Cuba was "allowing adversaries of the US to conduct intelligence activities close to US territory."

The spokesperson added that China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security, and calls on the US to immediately end its blockade, sanctions, and all forms of coercion and pressure against Cuba.