Xi Jinping Targets U.S. Over Maduro Ouster: "Shocks to International Order... International Law Must Be Upheld"

Donald Trump, President of the United States, and Xi Jinping, President of China. Yonhap News Agency

On January 5, Chinese President Xi Jinping stated during a summit with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin that "unilateral and hegemonic actions are causing serious shocks to the international order," emphasizing that major powers should take the lead in complying with international law.

Although he did not mention any specific country by name, his remarks are widely interpreted as targeting the United States, which recently ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro through a sudden military operation.

According to major foreign media outlets, including the state-run Xinhua News Agency, President Xi said in his opening remarks at the meeting with Prime Minister Martin held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the morning of January 5, "Today, the world is entangled in chaos and change, and unilateral acts of bullying are causing serious shocks to the international order."

He added, "All countries should respect the development paths independently chosen by other peoples, comply with the purposes and principles of international law and the United Nations Charter, and major powers, in particular, should take the lead in this regard."

He further stated, "China and Ireland both support multilateralism and are at the forefront of international fairness and justice. We should strengthen cooperation on international issues, jointly safeguard the authority of the United Nations, and promote the development of the global governance system in a more just and rational direction."

These comments by President Xi are interpreted as criticism of the United States for deploying troops to the presidential safe house in Caracas, Venezuela, and arresting President Maduro on January 3, Eastern Standard Time.

China is the largest purchaser of Venezuelan oil. China has repeatedly stated that Venezuela has the right to pursue economic cooperation with other countries without external pressure. During President Maduro's birthday celebration in November last year, President Xi described the two countries as "close friends, cherished brothers, and good partners," and pledged to support Venezuela in safeguarding its sovereignty and national security.

President Xi also urged, "As Ireland assumes the rotating presidency of the EU Council in the second half of the year, I hope it will play a constructive role in promoting the healthy and stable development of China-Europe relations."

He continued, "China and Europe should maintain their partnership from a long-term perspective, view and address differences objectively and rationally, and adhere to cooperation and mutual benefit."

China and the EU are experiencing friction over the EU's imposition of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and China's retaliatory measures. Last year, after the EU imposed high anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, China responded by imposing anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tariffs targeting European dairy products, pork and other agricultural and livestock products, brandy, and plastic raw materials.

Regarding bilateral relations with Ireland, President Xi said, "China wants to strengthen strategic communication with Ireland, deepen strategic mutual trust, and expand practical cooperation to promote the well-being of both peoples and further energize China-Europe relations." He emphasized the need to maintain friendly exchanges and enhance communication and understanding.

In response, Prime Minister Martin said that "China's role is essential" in international issues such as peacekeeping, and regarding trade, he stated, "We believe it is important to work for open trade while recognizing the interdependence of the world."

Xinhua reported that Prime Minister Martin reaffirmed Ireland's firm commitment to the 'One China' policy, its dedication to strengthening and developing the strategic partnership between the two countries, and its belief that the resolution of any international dispute must comply with international law.

Xinhua also added that Prime Minister Martin said the stable development of Europe-China relations is very important and that Ireland is willing to play a constructive role in the healthy development of Europe-China relations.

Prime Minister Martin's visit to China comes about two weeks after China decided on December 22 to impose temporary anti-subsidy tariffs of up to 42.7% on EU dairy products. It is the first visit by an Irish prime minister to China in about 14 years. Ireland is one of the largest dairy exporters in Europe, exporting more than 90% of its production, with annual exports reaching 6 billion euros. Ireland is also one of the countries that voted in favor of the EU's anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.