China remains committed to supporting Venezuela in safeguarding its national sovereignty and contributing to its economic and social development, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart Yvan Gil in New York City on the sidelines of the UN Summit of the Future.
The Chinese foreign minister extended President Xi Jinping's warm greetings to Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and congratulations on his re-election.
Wang said he believes that under the leadership of President Maduro, the Venezuelan people will work in solidarity to overcome challenges and make new accomplishments in the cause of national development.
Noting that China and Venezuela are good friends and partners, he said no matter how the international landscape evolves, China will, as always, support Venezuela in safeguarding its national sovereignty and defending its national dignity and aid its economic and social development.
During President Maduro's state visit to China last September, the two presidents announced the elevation of the China-Venezuela relationship to an all-weather strategic partnership, marking a milestone in bilateral ties and heralding a broader development prospect for the relationship, Wang said.
The two sides should consolidate and develop well the all-weather friendship, continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, and translate the important consensus reached between the two heads of state into concrete actions, he stressed.
Gil also conveyed President Maduro's sincere greetings to President Xi.
Following the elevation of bilateral relations to an all-weather strategic partnership in 2023, the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year, Gil said, stressing that the Venezuela-China relationship is now at its best in history.
As China's most reliable and firm strategic partner, Venezuela is committed to pursuing new and greater progress in bilateral relations to deliver more benefits to people of both countries, he said.
China to continue supporting Venezuela’s economic, social development: FM
China to continue supporting Venezuela’s economic, social development: FM
China to continue supporting Venezuela’s economic, social development: FM
Several Japanese peace groups, with some key political figures involved, held an exchange meeting in Tokyo on Monday to oppose the lifting of restrictions on lethal weapon exports and submitted a petition signed by tens of thousands of people to the Diet against lifting the arms export ban.
Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Monday held consultations with the far-right Japan Innovation Party (NIP), a member of its ruling coalition, and confirmed that it will compile its opinions on abolishing the export restrictions on five categories of equipment under the three principles on the transfer of defense equipment guidelines by February next year, and formally submit relevant policy recommendations to the government.
"Japan has long adhered to the principle of not profiting from weapons, yet it has begun exporting weapons, and even weapons with lethal capabilities, and is even promoting joint research and development and investing huge sums of money in them. I believe this is extremely irresponsible, and now is the time to put the brakes on," said Mizuho Fukushima, head of the Social Democratic Party of Japan. "As a nation, Japan should uphold its stance of not possessing war-making capabilities, renouncing war, and refusing to recognize the right of belligerency. However, arms exports are now being taken for granted and are continuing unabated. To stop this trend, I hope to return to the basics, starting from the fundamental principles of the Constitution, and resolutely halt it," said House of Representatives lawmaker Seiken Akamine.
Attendees said that the Constitution of Japan clearly stipulates that Japan cannot possess an army or other war-fighting capabilities, and that manufacturing and exporting weapons of mass destruction clearly violates the pacifist constitution. The Japanese government should immediately cease this erroneous practice.
"Next, Japan plans to take steps toward exporting destroyers, a type of lethal weapon, in its relationship with Australia. It even intends to abolish the five categories of restrictions on equipment exports, allowing for the free export of all types of lethal weapons. This is precisely the path Japan is heading down. This is an extremely serious issue and must be resolutely opposed," said Tisaka Jun, member of Japan Peace Committee.
Japan's current three principles on the transfer of defense equipment only permit the export of five categories of equipment in rescue, transportation, early warning, surveillance, and mine clearance. Once this policy is abolished, Japan will be permitted to export a variety of equipment, including lethal weapons.
Japanese activists voice strong opposition against country's attempt to lift arms export ban
