China Expresses Grave Concern Over US Control and Removal of President Maduro and His Wife
Beijing, January 4. A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry stated on Sunday that China has expressed grave concern over reports that “on January 3, the US sent forces to seize control of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and remove them from the country.”
The spokesperson said this move by the US constitutes a clear violation of international law, the basic norms governing international relations, and the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. Many countries around the world have also voiced opposition to this action.
China calls on the United States to ensure the personal safety of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, release them immediately, cease efforts to overthrow the Venezuelan government, and adopt the path of dialogue and negotiation to resolve issues.
US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the US had carried out a “large-scale strike against Venezuela” and claimed that President Nicolás Maduro and his wife had been captured and removed from the country. Trump also posted on social media a photo of Maduro detained on board the USS Iwo Jima, which is said to be the latest development in the US military operation.
The US military action against the South American nation has stunned the international community. Several countries have strongly condemned the US for its attack on Venezuela.
On Saturday, China’s Foreign Ministry had already expressed profound shock and strong condemnation regarding the US’s blatant use of force against a sovereign state and its president. The spokesperson said, “Such hegemonic actions by the US seriously violate international law and Venezuela’s sovereignty, and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region. China firmly opposes this. We urge the United States to abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and to stop violating the sovereignty and security of other countries.”
