Chinese presence reinforces Beijing’s position as one of Caracas’ few international allies; Vladimir Putin sent congratulatory message
The President of China, Xi Jinping, sent a special emissary to the inauguration of Nicolás Maduro, held on Friday (10), marking the beginning of his third consecutive term as president of Venezuela. The information was released by the Chinese state agency Xinhua this Saturday (11). The Chinese presence reinforces Beijing’s position as one of Caracas’ few international allies, while the Maduro government faces widespread rejection from the opposition and the international community.
The inauguration ceremony, considered illegitimate by internal opponents and foreign governments, was attended by few regional leaders, such as Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Nicaraguan Daniel Ortega. Other traditional allies, such as Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, did not participate. In return, Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, sent a congratulatory message to Maduro.
The United States has toughened its stance against the Venezuelan government, increasing the reward for information leading to Maduro’s capture to US$25 million (around R$152 million). Furthermore, Washington and London maintain economic sanctions on the Chavista regime.
Chinese envoy Wang Dongming met with Maduro at the Miraflores Palace shortly after the ceremony. According to Xinhua, Wang conveyed Xi Jinping’s greetings and best wishes to the Venezuelan leader and highlighted Beijing’s willingness to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. “China is willing to develop its friendship with Venezuela and boost bilateral relations,” Wang said.
In response, Maduro expressed respect and thanks to the Chinese leader and declared that he intends to “elevate bilateral ties to a new level”. Venezuela, which is facing a serious political and economic crisis, is seeking international support to sustain its position amid accusations of electoral fraud.
The Venezuelan opposition, led by Edmundo González Urrutia, disputes the results of the July 28 election. Urrutia, recognized by the United States and several Latin American countries as the legitimate winner of the election, stated in the Dominican Republic, on Thursday (9), that Maduro carried out a “coup d’état” and “proclaimed himself dictator”.
*With information from AFP
Published by Felipe Dantas
