The Chinese president also recalls that “all countries must respect the development paths chosen independently by the people of other nations
Chinese President Xi Jinping says that the world “is going through a period of turbulence and change”, and that “unilateral actions and intimidation are seriously impacting the international order”, without ever referring to Donald Trump or the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
The statements were made during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
Without mentioning the United States or Venezuela, Xi said that “all countries must respect the development paths chosen independently by the people of other nations” and that they must “comply with international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, with great powers in particular taking the lead.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian was clearer, stating during a press conference in Beijing that Nicolás Maduro should be released, warning of the risk of instability in Latin America.
“The use of force by the US clearly violates international law and the fundamental principles of international relations,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian, expressing “deep concern” about the detention of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and urged Washington to “guarantee their personal security” while they remain outside Venezuela, in addition to demanding their release.
The spokesperson denounced the “brazen use of force” against a sovereign country, accusing the US of “threatening peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean”, a region that China considers a “zone of peace”.
Beijing reiterated its opposition to the use or threat of use of force in international relations and to practices of “hegemonic harassment”.
Lin called for resolving the crisis in Venezuela through dialogue and negotiation, and expressed support for calling an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Asked about contacts with Caracas, Lin stated that China “respects the sovereignty and independence of Venezuela” and believes that the country “will deal with its internal affairs in accordance with the Constitution and laws”, without confirming whether there had been talks with Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who temporarily assumed the role of head of the Executive.
Regarding bilateral cooperation, the spokesperson stressed that energy projects between the two countries “are between sovereign States” and are protected by international law. He added that, “regardless of changes in the Venezuelan internal situation”, China’s willingness to deepen cooperation with Caracas “will not change” and that Beijing’s “legitimate interests” “will continue to be safeguarded”.
Lin also rejected that China seeks to establish “spheres of influence” in Latin America, stressing that its policy towards the region is “coherent and stable”, based on non-interference, equality and mutual benefit, without ideological alignments.
“China will continue to be a good friend and partner” of countries in the region, he stressed, adding that it is ready to cooperate with them in defending the UN Charter and international justice, as well as responding to tensions arising from the situation in Venezuela.
The statements come in a context of high tension, after the US captured Maduro and transferred him to New York, where he is being held.
The episode prompted criticism from several governments and the request for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, which will take place this Monday.
