China’s top diplomat has accused the United States of acting like the world’s policeman and condemned US military strikes on Venezuela as a serious violation of international law and sovereignty.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks on Sunday during high-level talks in Beijing with Ishaq Dar, the deputy prime minister and foreign minister of Pakistan.
Wang said the international landscape was becoming increasingly volatile, marked by growing unilateralism and what he described as bullying behaviour when discussing the sudden change of situation in Venezuela.
“China has never believed that any country can play the role of an international policeman, nor do we agree that any country can claim itself to be an international judge,” he said, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.
The sovereignty and security of all countries should be fully protected under international law, Wang said, adding that China opposed the use or threat of force in international relations and rejected attempts to impose one country’s will on others.
His comments followed a US military raid early on Saturday in Caracas that resulted in the arrest and transfer of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife to the US for prosecution.
China’s foreign ministry later issued a statement strongly condemning Washington for using force against a sovereign state, calling the operation a serious violation of international law and an act of hegemonic coercion.
On Sunday, Beijing urged the US to immediately release Maduro and halt what it described as efforts to undermine Venezuela’s government.
Despite China’s condemnation, US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he maintained a “very good” relationship with his counterpart Xi Jinping and pledged that Venezuelan oil shipments to China would continue.
The meeting between Wang and Dar marked the seventh round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue. The pair also addressed regional security issues, with Pakistan facing persistent security challenges along its western border with Afghanistan and China seeking assurances over the safety of its personnel and projects.
According to the Chinese ministry statement, Dar pledged that Islamabad would intensify counterterrorism efforts and take “effective measures” to protect China’s institutions and citizens in Pakistan.
Wang described China and Pakistan as “all-weather” strategic partners bound by mutual trust and long-standing support, while noting that Dar was the first foreign minister to be received by China in 2026 – a gesture that marked the start of activities commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of allowing militant groups to operate from Afghan territory, allegations denied by the Taliban.
A major border clash in October killed more than 70 people before a ceasefire was brokered, though subsequent talks between the neighbours have failed to produce a lasting breakthrough. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
