China condemns US capture of Venezuelan President

KABUL (Pajhwok): China has condemned the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, describing the action as “hegemonic” and a violation of international law.

In a statement, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Beijing was “deeply shocked by the United States’ blatant use of force against a sovereign state” and strongly denounced the operation.

The ministry described the military strikes against Venezuela and the detention of President Maduro as “hegemonic acts” that threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean.

China called on the US to respect international law and the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, and to cease violating the sovereignty and security of other nations.

Russia and Iran also condemned the US military action and the detention of the Venezuelan president and his wife, describing it as a clear violation of Venezuela’s national sovereignty.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Washington would run Venezuela “until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” though it remains unclear how the United States intends to oversee the country.

At least seven explosions were reported early on Saturday in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, accompanied by the sound of low-flying aircraft. Trump claimed the United States had “captured” President Maduro and his wife and flown them out of the country following what he described as “large-scale” strikes.

kk/sa