Beijing, January 6 (ANI): China on Tuesday strongly criticised the United States for its military strike on Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, warning Washington against exerting pressure or carrying out future interventions in other South American countries. Beijing said no country has the right to act as the “world’s police or judge.”
Responding to questions at a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China believes all nations must respect the development paths chosen by their people and strictly adhere to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
“Major countries, in particular, should set a good example,” Mao said. “No country should act as the world’s police or judge.”
She reiterated that China supports a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, adding that Beijing respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and takes their legitimate security concerns seriously.
“China supports resolving differences and disputes peacefully through dialogue and consultation. This is China’s solution to global security challenges and the path toward universal and common security,” she added.
Opposition to Intervention
Mao further stated that China is prepared to work with other countries to uphold the authority of international law, reject what she termed the “law of the jungle,” and oppose interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states.
Her remarks followed Washington’s “large-scale strike” against Venezuela on Saturday, during which deposed leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured in Caracas and flown out of the country in a joint operation involving US intelligence agencies and law enforcement.
Trump’s Remarks Fuel Speculation
Following the operation, US President Donald Trump made sharp comments regarding Colombia, claiming it was being “run by a sick man” and suggesting its current leadership “won’t be doing it for very long.”
When asked if he was hinting at a possible US operation in Colombia, Trump responded, “Sounds good to me,” triggering widespread criticism and speculation about potential further intervention in the region.
Trump also commented on Cuba’s economic condition, saying the country was nearing collapse due to its reliance on Venezuelan oil.
“Cuba seems to be on the verge of collapse. They received all their income from Venezuela, from Venezuelan oil,” Trump said aboard Air Force One.
UN Security Council Meeting
Addressing Monday’s emergency meeting of the UN Security Council convened to discuss the US military action, Mao said China’s representative made it clear that military force is not a solution to such crises.
“The indiscriminate use of force will only lead to greater crises,” she said, adding that China firmly supports the Venezuelan government and people in safeguarding their sovereignty, security, and legitimate rights.
China also reaffirmed its support for maintaining Latin America and the Caribbean as a “zone of peace.”
UN Expresses Concern
At the Security Council meeting, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary A. DiCarlo expressed deep concern over the US military operation and the capture of Maduro.
“We meet at a grave time following the January 3 United States military action in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela,” DiCarlo said, noting that the extent of casualties remains undetermined.
She said the Venezuelan government has characterised the operation as a military aggression affecting both civilian and military areas, calling it a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and a threat to regional and international peace.
Legal Proceedings and Political Uncertainty
Maduro, currently being held in New York, has pleaded not guilty to multiple federal charges during his first court appearance. His legal team described his arrest as a “military abduction,” arguing it violated international law and due process.
Maduro has questioned the legality of his detention, claiming he was arrested at his residence in Caracas — a claim expected to form a central part of his legal defence.
Meanwhile, longtime Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as acting president on Monday, according to CNN. Trump, however, stated that the United States was “in charge” following the operation, signalling close US monitoring of developments in Venezuela. (ANI)
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