By Zoila Palma: China’s top diplomat has accused the United States of acting like a “world judge” after U.S. forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and took him to New York to face narcotics charges, a move Beijing later challenged at the United Nations over its legality.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking in Beijing on Sunday, said no country should act as the world’s police or judge, adding that the sovereignty and security of all nations must be protected under international law.
His comments followed the release of images showing Maduro blindfolded and in handcuffs, scenes that prompted Colombia — backed by China and Russia — to request an emergency UN Security Council meeting.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned the seizure could set a “dangerous precedent.”
At the Security Council, China expressed shock and condemnation at the U.S. action, Reuters report.
Sun Lei, charge d’affaires of China’s UN mission, said history showed that military force was not a solution to political problems and warned that the indiscriminate use of force would only deepen crises.
Analysts said Beijing is likely to play a central role in rallying diplomatic opposition to Washington, even as its practical ability to assist Venezuela remains limited.
The episode is seen as a significant test for China’s influence in Latin America, where it has cultivated close ties with governments wary of U.S. power.
Venezuela has been one of Beijing’s closest regional partners since the era of Hugo Chávez, benefiting from Chinese investment and trade as Western sanctions tightened.
A Chinese official described Maduro’s capture as a major blow to Beijing’s efforts to project itself as a reliable partner, raising questions about how far China’s diplomatic and security initiatives can shield allies when confronted by U.S. military action.
The post International News: U.S. capture of Maduro tests limits of China’s diplomatic push appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: China’s top diplomat has accused the United States of acting like a “world judge” after U.S. forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and took him to New York to face narcotics charges, a move Beijing later challenged at the United Nations over its legality. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking in Beijing
The post International News: U.S. capture of Maduro tests limits of China’s diplomatic push appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
