China condemns US raid on Venezuela, reaffirms commitment to Caracas
Speaking to reporters in Beijing, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized China’s long-standing position on state sovereignty. “China respects sovereignty and independence and believes the government will properly handle its internal affairs according to constitution and the laws,” Lin Jian said.
He underscored that ties between Beijing and Caracas are based on state-to-state relations and legal frameworks.
China-Venezuela cooperation, he said, is “conducted between two sovereign states, (and) protected by international law and laws of the two countries.”
Lin further made clear that China’s engagement would not be affected by political developments in Venezuela. “No matter how the political situation in Venezuela may evolve, China is deeply committed to deepening the two countries’ practical cooperation in various fields and … legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese side in Venezuela will be protected in accordance with the law,” he said.
The remarks followed reports that the United States carried out a large-scale operation in Caracas on Saturday, detaining President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores, who were subsequently transferred to the United States to face criminal proceedings in New York.
As stated by reports citing Venezuelan officials, around 80 people were killed during the operation.
Maduro and Flores are currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where they face US federal charges related to drug trafficking and alleged cooperation with gangs designated as terrorist organizations.
Maduro has rejected the accusations, while officials in Caracas have demanded the couple’s release.
Asked about Maduro’s meeting with China’s special representative shortly before the US operation, Lin said the visit was routine diplomatic engagement. He noted that it “is the job” of Qiu Xiaoqi to visit Latin American countries and added: “China and the Venezuelan government have maintained friendly exchanges and cooperation.”
Maduro met Qiu at the Miraflores Palace on Friday. After the meeting, the Venezuelan leader said: “We reaffirmed our commitment to the strategic relationship that is progressing and strengthening in various areas for building a multipolar world of development and peace.”
Lin also called on Washington to guarantee the safety of the detained Venezuelan president and his wife, and urged the US to cease actions that violate other countries’ sovereignty and security.
Commenting on statements suggesting US control over Venezuela, Lin said other nations should “respect the path chosen by” the country and contribute to restoring stability.
He added that China “supports the UN Security Council to play its due role in accordance with its mandate,” as the council was set to meet to discuss the US action against Venezuela.
Lin reiterated that China aims to be a “good friend” to Latin American countries and firmly “opposes” any actions that infringe upon the sovereignty of states in the region.
Separately, responding to comments by US President Donald Trump regarding Greenland and claims that the Arctic region is “covered with” Chinese ships, Lin rejected the narrative, saying: “We urge the US to stop using the so-called 'China threat' as an excuse for self-seeking purposes,” according to reports.
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