Donald Trump said that the United States would hold talks with Cuba after he indicated the island’s government had asked for help.
The Trump administration has intensified pressure on the Caribbean island in recent months as Cuba struggles through a deepening economic and humanitarian crisis.
Widespread energy blackouts have plagued the country, worsened by an oil blockade imposed by the US president in late January.
Mr Trump said the Cuban administration had approached Washington.
“Cuba is asking for help, and we are going to talk!!! In the meantime, I’m off to China!” Mr Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Tuesday.
He also said that “no Republican has ever spoken to me about Cuba, which is a failed country and only heading in one direction – down!”
The Cuban state did not immediately comment, but previously said that it would be willing to engage with Washington “without pressure”.
