China respects the sovereignty and independence of Venezuela and remains committed to deepening bilateral cooperation across various fields, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday.
Speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing, Spokesman Lin Jian responded to media queries about the Chinese government's interaction with the Venezuelan government currently led by acting President Delcy Rodriguez and about future bilateral cooperation, including in the oil sector.
"China respects Venezuela's sovereignty and independence, and believes that the Venezuelan government will properly handle its internal affairs in accordance with its constitution and laws," Lin said.
"The cooperation between China and Venezuela is cooperation conducted between two sovereign states, and is protected by international law and the laws of both countries. No matter how the political situation in Venezuela changes, China's willingness to deepen practical cooperation across various fields between the two countries will not change, and China's legitimate interests in Venezuela will also be protected in accordance with the law," said the spokesman.
Venezuela, home to the world's largest proven oil reserves, is currently experiencing serious political uncertainty after the United States launched a large-scale, pre-dawn military operation against the South American country on Saturday and illegally took Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, a move that has drawn worldwide condemnation and concern.
China respects Venezuela's sovereignty, committed to deepening bilateral cooperation: spokesman
China respects Venezuela's sovereignty, committed to deepening bilateral cooperation: spokesman
China respects Venezuela's sovereignty, committed to deepening bilateral cooperation: spokesman
Leaders of seven European countries on Tuesday reaffirmed that Greenland "belongs to its people," stressing that issues concerning Denmark and Greenland must be decided solely by Denmark and Greenland, according to a joint statement.
The statement, released by Denmark's Prime Minister's Office, was signed by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
"Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland," the statement said.
The leaders underscored that Arctic security remains a key priority for Europe and is critical for international and transatlantic security. They noted that NATO has made clear the Arctic region is a priority and that European allies are increasing their presence there.
The statement noted that the Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, is part of NATO, and said security in the Arctic must be achieved collectively with NATO allies, including the United States, by upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders.
Calling the United States an "essential partner," the leaders also referred to the 1951 defence agreement between Denmark and the United States.
The Prime Minister of Greenland Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Tuesday that Greenland is open to dialogue and discussions with the U.S., but "they must take place through the proper channels and in respect of international law."
The PM also urged respect from the U.S. side, saying "Our country is not an object in great power rhetoric." Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, who was appointed by President Donald Trump last month as the U.S. special envoy to Greenland, said that Trump "supports an independent Greenland with economic ties and trade opportunities for the United States," Reuters reported.
Trump said in a telephone interview on Sunday with The Atlantic that the United States "absolutely" needs Greenland. He also discussed the U.S. intervention in Venezuela.
Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in gaining control of Greenland, saying that he would not rule out using "military or economic coercion" to achieve that goal.
European leaders reaffirm Greenland sovereignty, stress Arctic security
European leaders reaffirm Greenland sovereignty, stress Arctic security
