US casts Cuba as China-linked security threat while still pushing for talks

The US has charged former Cuban leader Raul Castro in connection with the 1996 shooting down of two civilian aircraft, while simultaneously portraying Cuba as a security threat linked to China and Russia. President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are presenting Cuba as both a national security concern and a potential candidate for negotiated political transition. The situation has intensified friction between Washington and Beijing, with China criticizing the US charges against Castro.