China Criticizes U.S. Arrest of Maduro, Reaffirms Commitment to Deepening Cooperation with Venezuela

Lin Zhen, Spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo by Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that China’s legitimate interests in Venezuela will be protected and that it will maintain its policy of cooperation with Venezuela regardless of the local political situation.

During a regular press briefing on January 5, Lin Zhen, Spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, “Cooperation between China and Venezuela is cooperation between sovereign states and is protected by international law and the laws of both countries.” He added, “No matter how the political situation in Venezuela changes, China’s commitment to deepening substantive cooperation with Venezuela in various fields will remain unchanged.”

Lin further emphasized, “China’s legitimate interests in Venezuela will also be protected in accordance with the law.”

These remarks were made in response to a question about whether China would continue to import Venezuelan crude oil, following the United States’ announcement of plans to expand oil production in Venezuela after using military force to arrest and extradite President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on January 3 (local time).

Previously, foreign media outlets such as the South China Morning Post (SCMP) in Hong Kong reported that China, as a creditor holding $60 billion (about 86.82 trillion won) in Venezuelan debt, could lose the privilege of stable oil supplies from Venezuela, and that China’s influence in Latin America was being put to the test.

At the briefing, Lin repeatedly criticized the U.S. military operation in Venezuela and expressed opposition to it.

He stated, “This is a serious violation of the basic norms of international law and international relations,” adding, “We are deeply shocked that the United States has used force so recklessly against a sovereign state and forcibly detained its head of state, and we strongly condemn this.”

He continued, “The United States must guarantee the personal safety of President Maduro and his wife and release them immediately. The United States should stop its attempts to overthrow the Venezuelan government and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation.”

Lin also said, “We support the United Nations Security Council convening an emergency meeting regarding the U.S. military attack on Venezuela, and we expect the Security Council to fulfill its responsibilities and play its proper role.”

When asked what specific measures China would propose in this process, he gave a principled answer, saying, “Together with the international community, we will resolutely uphold the United Nations Charter, maintain the minimum standards of international morality, and safeguard international fairness and justice.”

In addition, Lin did not answer questions about whether a Chinese special envoy was in Venezuela or had met with President Maduro just before the U.S. attack on Venezuela.

Lin also mentioned that China does not seek a “sphere of influence” in Latin America. He emphasized, “China is a good friend and good partner to Latin American and Caribbean countries. We adhere to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs and do not draw lines based on ideology.”