Caracas: In a phone call on Wednesday, China's Foreign Minister extended support to Venezuela's sovereignty amid rising US pressure on the country.
According to Anadolu Agency, Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yvan Gil discussed his country's situation with China's Wang Yi, emphasizing that Caracas and the Venezuelan people will "firmly safeguard the country's sovereignty and independence, resolutely defend their legitimate rights, and will not accept threats from any bullying power," as per a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Wang Yi highlighted the strategic partnership between China and Venezuela, noting that mutual trust and support are foundational to their relations. He stated that Beijing opposes "all forms of unilateral bullying and supports all countries in safeguarding their sovereignty and national dignity." Wang further mentioned that Venezuela has the right to independently pursue mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries, and he believes the international community understands and supports Venezuela's position on safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests.
The situation in the region has been tense, as US forces have maintained a significant military presence in the Caribbean over the past four months, conducting strikes against vessels accused of drug trafficking without releasing evidence to the public. President Trump has indicated the possibility of US military land strikes on Venezuelan soil.
Tensions escalated last week when US forces seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast, an act denounced by Caracas as "international piracy." In response, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro warned of the risk of a 'new Vietnam' after President Trump ordered a 'total and complete blockade' of sanctioned oil tankers leaving or entering Venezuela.
On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump claimed that "Venezuela is completely surrounded by the largest armada ever assembled in the history of South America," despite the country's land borders with three other nations.