Cuba has received the first shipment of an anticipated 60,000-tonne rice donation from China, offering a crucial lifeline amid a deepening humanitarian crisis.

President Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed on Sunday that 15,000 tonnes of rice arrived in Havana on Saturday, expressing gratitude for China's "solidarity" and "firm and unequivocal condemnation of the collective punishment" his nation endures.

The Caribbean island has been grappling with severe shortages of essential supplies, exacerbated by increased United States sanctions imposed since January during President Donald Trump's second term. These sanctions have targeted the island's fuel imports, impacting public services.

Cuba relies on imports for nearly 60 percent of its oil, but the Trump administration has largely blocked oil exports to the island since early this year. This de facto oil blockade began following a US military operation in Venezuela and subsequent announcements prohibiting oil and funds from Venezuela to Cuba.

In late January, President Trump issued an executive order labeling Cuba an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to the US and threatening economic penalties against countries supplying it with oil. Consequently, only a single Russian tanker has been permitted to reach Cuba.

Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy announced earlier this month that Cuba had exhausted its oil reserves, leading to widespread power outages. These blackouts have disrupted public services, including transportation and medical care, across the island.

Despite the escalating humanitarian situation, the Trump administration has continued to impose sanctions on Cuba's communist government, reportedly aiming to force regime change. Reports suggest the US administration is seeking President Diaz-Canel's resignation, with aspirations for a scenario similar to Venezuela's.

This rice shipment marks a significant step in Cuba's increasing reliance on China for assistance, as the Asian superpower has also previously donated solar panels to help modernize Cuba's energy grid.