DID Press: As Washington steps up political and economic pressure on Caracas, China has voiced strong opposition to what it calls “unilateral bullying,” reaffirming its support for Venezuela’s sovereignty and political independence—a stance highlighting the deepening diplomatic rift between Beijing and Washington over Venezuela.
China’s Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a phone call with his Venezuelan counterpart Yván Gil Pinto, rejected all forms of unilateral pressure and coercive behavior against states, stressing that governments have the right to defend their national dignity, sovereignty and political independence.
In a statement, Beijing described Venezuela as a “strategic partner” and underscored the longstanding mutual trust and support between the two countries. Wang also expressed China’s readiness to continue political and diplomatic cooperation with the government in Caracas.
The remarks come as the United States, under President Donald Trump, has intensified pressure on Venezuela, accusing President Nicolás Maduro’s government of drug trafficking and organized crime. On Tuesday night, Trump announced the launch of what he described as a “full and comprehensive blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers linked to Venezuela and said the Venezuelan government had been placed on the US list of foreign terrorist organizations.
Following these moves, speculation has grown over potential destabilization scenarios and even the possible overthrow of the Maduro government. At the same time, Reuters reported that Caracas has sent a letter requesting a UN Security Council meeting to discuss what it called “ongoing hostile actions by the United States,” which Venezuela says threaten regional stability and the principles of international law.
China’s open backing of Venezuela, alongside its sharp criticism of Washington’s maximum pressure policy, is widely seen as a sign of intensifying rivalry between the two powers and of Beijing’s efforts to position itself as a supporter of governments targeted by US pressure.