Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi declared that no nation has the right to act as "world police" or "world judge." He made these remarks on 4/1 during a meeting with his Pakistani counterpart, referencing "unexpected developments in Venezuela" without directly naming the United States. His statement followed a US operation aimed at arresting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Wang emphasized that international law must fully protect the sovereignty and security of all nations. He added that China opposes the use or threat of force in international relations.
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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Switzerland in 10/2025. Photo: AFP
Chinese President Xi Jinping echoed this sentiment today in Beijing during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin. President Xi stressed that major countries should lead by example, respecting the development paths chosen by other nations.
These remarks are widely seen as an implicit criticism of the US, coming after the raid to apprehend President Maduro. They follow previous strong condemnations from China regarding US military actions.
President Xi asserted that the world is currently facing unprecedented upheaval, with unilateral hegemonic actions severely undermining international order. He urged all countries to adhere to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, respecting each nation's chosen development path.
Earlier, China's Foreign Ministry had strongly condemned the US operation in Venezuela, labeling it an act of force against a sovereign nation. Beijing criticized this as a serious violation of international law and an act of hegemonic coercion.
As Venezuela's largest oil buyer, China on 4/1 called for the immediate release of President Maduro and an end to actions that "weaken the Venezuelan government."
In contrast, US President Donald Trump stated his "very good" relationship with President Xi Jinping. He also committed that Venezuelan oil shipments to China would continue.
In a birthday message to President Maduro in 11/2025, President Xi described China and Venezuela as "close friends, dear brothers, and good partners." He pledged China's support for Caracas in "defending national sovereignty and security, national dignity, and social stability."
The US military launched "Operation Absolute Resolve" in Venezuela in the early morning of 3/1. The operation involved approximately 150 aircraft from 20 bases, conducting airstrikes on multiple Venezuelan targets. This allowed helicopter squadrons carrying US special forces and law enforcement personnel to enter the capital, Caracas, to execute the arrest warrant for President Maduro.
The US Department of Justice accused President Maduro of leading an "illegal, corrupt government" and engaging in large-scale drug trafficking, including smuggling thousands of tons of cocaine into the US. President Maduro has consistently denied these allegations.
By Ngoc Anh (Reuters, SCMP)
