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Xi pledges support for Maduro, criticises US actions in Venezuela
Chinese president urges respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty, warns against foreign interference as US ramps up regional military activity
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Igor Patrickin Rio de Janeiro
Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed Beijing’s steadfast support for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, sending a congratulatory letter on the eve of the embattled leader’s birthday that pledged continued backing for the South American country’s sovereignty amid mounting regional tensions and US military pressure.
In the message, released by Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry over the weekend, Xi described China and Venezuela as “intimate friends, dear brothers and good partners”.
He vowed to keep supporting Caracas in “safeguarding its sovereignty and national security, the dignity of the nation, and social stability”.
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The Chinese leader also used the letter to condemn foreign interference in Venezuelan affairs, remarks widely seen as a response to Washington’s latest actions.
The US has deployed nearly a dozen warships and about 12,000 sailors and Marines to the Caribbean region and off Venezuela’s coast as part of what it calls a counter-narcotics and maritime security operation.
“China resolutely opposes the meddling of external forces in Venezuela’s internal affairs under any pretext,” Xi wrote, echoing Beijing’s long-standing position on the principle of non-intervention.
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