China reiterates support for Venezuela as Maduro, first lady remain in US detention
Beijing says US capture of Venezuelan president, his wife Cilia Flores, an 'act of bullying'
ISTANBUL
China reiterated support for Venezuela as that country’s captured leader, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores, remain in US detention.
The US raid in early January that led to the couple’s capture was described Monday by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun as “bullying,” according to an official transcript of his news briefing.
“The US’ bullying act of using force against a sovereign state and forcibly seizing its president seriously violates international law and infringes upon Venezuela’s sovereignty,” Guo told reporters in Beijing.
The remarks were in response to an inquiry about China’s measures to ensure the release of Maduro and his wife, as well as to help safeguard Venezuela's sovereignty.
Guo stressed that Beijing supports Venezuela “in defending its own sovereignty, dignity, and legitimate rights, and is willing to work with the international community to firmly uphold the UN Charter, adhere to the bottom line of international morality, and safeguard international fairness and justice.”
The US military strike on Jan. 3 led to the capture of Maduro and Flores, following months of escalating tensions about alleged drug trafficking.
Later, Delcy Rodriguez was elected as the interim president of the South American nation.
- China to continue supporting Cuba
Separately, Guo expressed Beijing’s will to "continue to provide Cuba with support and assistance within its capacity," adding that "China believes that under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of Cuba and the Cuban government, the Cuban people will surely overcome these temporary difficulties."
His remarks came after last week's report by the Wall Street Journal that the administration of US President Donald Trump, encouraged by the removal of Maduro, is looking for allies within Cuba’s government who might help negotiate an end to Communist rule on the island before the year concludes.
Trump said Jan. 11 that “I strongly suggest they make a deal. Before it's too late,” in a social media post, adding that “no more oil or money” would be going to Cuba.
