Shed light, not heat.
See who is covering the news, from the left, centre and right, and what each side leaves out.
Saturday, September 26, 2026 122 stories · 1614 outlet reports compared

China criticizes US over Iran and Cuba policy in UN General Assembly speech

China's Vice President Han Zheng addressed the UN General Assembly, pushing back against U.S. policy without naming the country directly, calling for an end to the blockade on Cuba and urging respect for Gulf nations' sovereignty amid the Iran conflict.

By The Lumen desk · Sept 26, 2026 · 1 min read
Share Save
From The Lumen
Your brand, here.Reach readers who see every side of the story.Advertise with us
What we know
1 China's Vice President Han Zheng delivered the speech at the UN General Assembly.
2 China pushed back against U.S. policy on Iran and Cuba without naming the U.S. directly, according to multiple outlets.
3 China called for the U.S. blockade on Cuba to be lifted, according to CNA and Deutsche Welle.
4 China said the sovereignty of Gulf/Middle Eastern nations should be respected, according to CNA, Deutsche Welle and The Jerusalem Post.
5 China rejected a "Cold War mindset" and raised the issue of Gaza reconstruction, according to Deutsche Welle.

China used its speech at the UN General Assembly to push back against United States policy, addressing tensions involving Iran and Cuba without directly naming the U.S., according to multiple outlets.

From The Lumen · story continues below
Our mission
One story. Every side. You decide what to make of it.
Join free

Vice President Han Zheng called for respect for the sovereignty of Gulf nations and said pressure on Iran should end, according to CNA. He also called on the U.S. to "immediately" lift its blockade against Cuba, according to Deutsche Welle.

The Times of India described the speech as sharply critical, reporting that China took a veiled shot at the U.S. and effectively told it to "stop using threats."

Deutsche Welle reported that China rejected what it called a "Cold War mindset" and advocated for post-conflict reconstruction of Gaza during the address.

How each side covered it

Left

1 outlet
  • The Hindu reported China's pushback against U.S. policy on Iran and Cuba in its UN speech.

“China pushes back against U.S. on Iran and Cuba in UN speech” — The Hindu

Center

5 outlets
  • CNA reported that Vice President Han Zheng emphasized respect for Gulf sovereignty and an end to pressure on Cuba, without naming the U.S.
  • The Times of India characterized the speech as sharply critical, saying China told the U.S. to 'stop using threats.'
  • Deutsche Welle reported China's call to lift the Cuba blockade, its stance on Gaza reconstruction, and its rejection of a 'Cold War mindset.'
  • Reuters reported China's pushback against the U.S. on Iran and Cuba.

“China rejects 'Cold War mindset' at UN General Assembly” — Deutsche Welle

Right

3 outlets
  • The Jerusalem Post reported China called for Gulf nations' sovereignty to be respected and for the Cuba blockade to be lifted.
  • Newsmax reported that China pushed back against the U.S. on Iran and Cuba in its UN speech.

“China pushed back against the United States' policy in its speech at the UN, saying the sovereignty of countries in the Gulf should be respected and called for the blockade against Cuba to be lifted.” — The Jerusalem Post

Questions readers ask

What did China say at the UN General Assembly?

China's Vice President Han Zheng pushed back against U.S. policy on Iran and Cuba without naming the U.S. directly, calling for the lifting of the Cuba blockade and respect for Gulf nations' sovereignty, according to multiple outlets.

Did China name the United States directly in its speech?

No, according to CNA, China's Vice President Han Zheng pushed back against U.S. policy without naming the United States directly.

What did China say about Cuba?

China called on the U.S. to "immediately" lift its blockade against Cuba, according to Deutsche Welle.

What did China say about Gaza?

According to Deutsche Welle, China advocated for post-conflict reconstruction of Gaza during the speech.

How did outlets across the political spectrum describe the tone of the speech?

The Times of India described the speech as sharply critical, framing it as a veiled shot at the U.S. telling it to "stop using threats," while other outlets described it more neutrally as China pushing back on U.S. policy.

Sources · 9 outlet reports

Advertise with The Lumen
Put your brand in front of readers who read to the end
Talk to us about placements. advertise@thelumen.io

More in World

All World ›

Trump predicts US and Cuba will reach a deal, says military action unlikely

Sept 26, 2026 · Balanced

One month after Nepal floods, thousands remain missing as recovery continues

Sept 26, 2026 · Blindspot: Right

German and Russian foreign ministers hold rare meeting at UN

Sept 26, 2026 · Balanced