China Reaffirms Support for Venezuela Amid U.S. Military Actions

China has reiterated its strong support for Venezuela following recent U.S. military actions against the South American nation. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that China values its relationship with Venezuela and will continue to support the country in safeguarding its sovereignty and national security. This commitment was emphasized after a meeting between Chinese Ambassador Lan Hu and Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, who expressed gratitude for China's condemnation of the U.S. actions, which she described as a violation of international law.

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The backdrop to this diplomatic exchange includes a recent U.S. military raid that resulted in the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that the U.S. would take control of Venezuela's oil resources, stating that the interim authorities would hand over between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States. This move has been characterized by China and other nations as blatant interference in Venezuela's sovereignty.

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In response to the U.S. actions, both China and the African Union issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of respecting national sovereignty and international law. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a visit to Ethiopia, highlighted the need for unity among Global South nations against such interventions. Rodriguez thanked China for its consistent support, stating, “We value China’s firm and consistent stance in strongly condemning the serious violation of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty.”

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Critics of the U.S. actions, including various international observers, have condemned the military raid as a violation of international norms. The Venezuelan government has expressed its gratitude to China for its support during this crisis, with Foreign Minister Yvan Gil reaffirming the commitment to deepen economic and trade agreements with China. He stated that the bilateral relationship is grounded in mutual respect for sovereignty and international law.

Global Times

While China and Venezuela maintain a unified front against U.S. actions, the U.S. government has indicated that it will continue to exert pressure on Venezuela to sever ties with adversaries like China and Russia. The White House has emphasized its determination to maintain American dominance in the region, suggesting that decisions made by Venezuela's interim government will be influenced by U.S. interests.

Global Times

As the situation unfolds, analysts suggest that China may avoid direct confrontation with the U.S. but will likely seek to strengthen its diplomatic and economic ties with Venezuela and other Latin American countries. The ongoing developments may further complicate U.S.-China relations, particularly in the context of geopolitical dynamics in the region.

South China Morning Post

• “China will continue to firmly support Venezuela in safeguarding sovereignty, dignity and national security,” — Mao Ning, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman

South China Morning Post

• “We value China’s firm and consistent stance in strongly condemning the serious violation of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty,” — Delcy Rodriguez, Interim President of Venezuela

South China Morning Post

• “Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to deepening trade and economic agreements with the People's Republic of China,” — Yvan Gil, Venezuelan Foreign Minister

Venezuela says remains committed to deepening trade agreements with China