China Reveals Stance on Venezuela Crisis
The Chinese government affirmed it "respects Venezuela's sovereignty and independence, and respects the arrangements made by the Venezuelan government in accordance with its own constitution and laws," according to Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning during a press briefing in the Chinese capital.
Mao's remarks came in response to inquiries about whether Beijing recognizes Rodriguez's interim administration, a Beijing-based news outlet reported.
Rodriguez, who previously served as both vice president and oil minister, took the oath of office Monday as acting president. The transition followed what officials described as a "large-scale" US operation against Caracas on Saturday that resulted in the apprehension of Maduro and his spouse Flores, who were subsequently transported to the US to answer criminal allegations in a New York courtroom.
"I swear by Commander Hugo Chavez," Rodriguez declared before Venezuela's National Assembly in Caracas, expressing anguish over the detention of Maduro and Flores.
When pressed on whether China would pursue sanctions against Washington for the military incursion into Caracas, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman condemned the US, stating the nation, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, has "disregarded the serious concerns of the international community and wantonly trampled on Venezuela's sovereignty, security, and legitimate rights and interests."
"China firmly opposes this. We support the Security Council in fulfilling its primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security," Mao declared.
The US raid on Caracas resulted in approximately 80 fatalities, The New York Times reported, citing Venezuelan government sources.
Maduro and Flores remain detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn and appeared before US Judge Alvin Hellerstein in New York on Monday, entering not guilty pleas to federal charges involving drug trafficking and purported collaboration with organizations designated as terrorist groups.
Both Maduro and Flores deny the allegations.
"The United States has disregarded Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's status as head of state by openly prosecuting and conducting a so-called 'trial' in its domestic court, severely violating Venezuela's national sovereignty and undermining the stability of international relations," Chinese spokeswoman Mao emphasized.
"No country can place its own rules above international law," she added, according to media.
Beijing has voiced "shock" and denounced the US raid while demanding Washington guarantee safety and calling for the immediate release of the detained Venezuelan president and first lady.
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