Xi: China supports Venezuela sovereignty against foreign interference

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
13 Sep 2023 15:42
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Chinese President Xi Jinping and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announce that the two countries will be enhancing their partnership and cooperation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro during a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013 (AP)

President Xi Jinping of China and his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro, held a crucial meeting on Wednesday, culminating in the announcement of an "upgrading of China-Venezuela relations" to an "all-weather strategic partnership." This significant development was reported by state media and marks a pivotal moment in the diplomatic ties between the two nations.

On his part, Maduro hailed Venezuela's ties with China, describing the Asian giant as a "non-hegemonic country like those that blackmail, dominate, and attack the peoples of the world."

Maduro's arrival in Beijing followed a tour of several Chinese cities, including Shanghai, and his visit to the southern tech hub of Shenzhen last Friday. His stay in China is expected to last until Thursday, marking his first state visit to the country since 2018.

President Xi Jinping's announcement of the upgraded partnership was made during their meeting, as captured by state broadcaster CCTV. This strategic move underlines the deepening cooperation between China and Venezuela.

One of the key objectives of Maduro's visit is to secure membership for Venezuela in BRICS. Beijing has played a pivotal role in supporting Venezuela, acting as its primary creditor and maintaining close diplomatic ties with the nation, which has faced inflation and international isolation.

During their meeting, President Xi reaffirmed China's unwavering support for Venezuela's efforts to safeguard national sovereignty, dignity, and social stability. He also expressed China's commitment to assisting Venezuela in resisting foreign interference while actively seeking to deepen cooperation between the two nations.

Headed to meet with China's President, Xi Jinping, on the last visit on his one-week tour, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrived in Beijing earlier on Tuesday.

Last Friday, after landing in Shenzhen, Maduro described his visit as "historic" and underscored that it was aimed at "strengthening cooperation and the construction of a new world order," after China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning had hailed Sino-Venezuela ties as "rock solid" noting that the two countries are "comprehensive strategic partners."