Coercion, pressure cannot solve Ukraine crisis: FM spokesman

There are no winners in a tariff war, and coercion and pressure cannot solve the Ukraine crisis, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Wednesday.

Lin made the comments in response to a media query about NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte's remarks on Tuesday that he hopes China, India and Brazil will exert pressure on Russia over possible secondary tariffs that may be imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump over their trade with Moscow.

"China always maintains that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable way to resolve the Ukraine crisis and firmly opposes any illegal unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction," he said.

"There are no winners in a tariff war, and coercion and pressure cannot solve problems. It's hoped that all parties will further foster an environment and accumulate conditions to advance the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, and take more actions that are conducive to peace talks," Lin said.

Coercion, pressure cannot solve Ukraine crisis: FM spokesman

Coercion, pressure cannot solve Ukraine crisis: FM spokesman

Coercion, pressure cannot solve Ukraine crisis: FM spokesman

Coercion, pressure cannot solve Ukraine crisis: FM spokesman

Coercion, pressure cannot solve Ukraine crisis: FM spokesman

Coercion, pressure cannot solve Ukraine crisis: FM spokesman

Protesters filled Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma on Saturday, rallying in solidarity with Venezuela and denouncing U.S. influence in Latin America.

The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of Jan 3, taking by force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Holding numerous flags and banners while chanting slogans intermittently, a huge crowd of protesters criticized U.S. military actions against Venezuela and the unlawful control over President Maduro and his spouse, calling for respect for national sovereignty and regional peace.

"We oppose the U.S. intervention and hegemony towards the countries in Latin America. The United States has flagrantly trampled on international law, bombed Caracas and kidnapped the Maduro couple. The U.S. interventionism has become extremely blatant. We must firmly oppose and be highly vigilant, because this is not only related to a certain country, but also to all countries," said a protester.

"We demand that the United States stop interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs. The country must immediately cease its exploitation and plundering of the countries in Latin America," said another protester.

Protest erupts in Mexico City over US military operation in Venezuela