China urges the United States to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a regular news briefing in Beijing on Monday.
Lin made the remarks in response to a media query about the sudden change of situation in Venezuela.
"China has already made clear its position on the U.S. forced seizure of Venezuelan President Maduro and his wife. China expresses grave concern over the U.S. forcibly seizing Maduro and his wife and taking them out of the country. The U.S. move is in clear violation of international law, the basic norms governing international relations, and the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. China urges the United States to ensure the personal safety of Maduro and his wife, release them immediately, stop subverting the government of Venezuela, and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation," said Lin.
China urges US to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, his wife
China urges US to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, his wife
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
