US action against Maduro reverberates from Beijing to Manila
China cites "international law” and “the UN Charter" to stand with Venezuela (while not respecting it in the South China Sea). Xi Jinping calls on South Korean President Lee to make the “right strategic choices”. A former Japanese defence minister is concerned about a possible domino effect involving Taiwan. India is cautious in order to keep a door open for Trump on tariffs.
Milan (AsiaNews) – Since the first reports of the US attack in Venezuela arrived, China has called for the immediate release of Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, invoking international law and the UN Charter.
In open contrast to the Trump administration's new interventionism, “China has engaged in interactions and collaborations with Latin American countries based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit,” said Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Seen from Asia, the crisis sparked overnight on 3 January by US airstrikes in Venezuela involves more than just the conflict over oil and Beijing’s other economic and geopolitical interests in the southern hemisphere.
In Asia-Pacific capitals, discussions are now focusing on the potential repercussions within the region, starting with the persistently tense situation in the South China Sea.
South Korean President Lee Yae Myung arrived today in Beijing today, marking the first visit to China by a South Korean leader in six years.
While not directly citing Venezuela, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on his guest to join Beijing in making the "right strategic choices" in a world that is "becoming more complex and turbulent”.
During a meeting with his Pakistani counterpart, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said: “We have never believed that any country can act as the world's police, nor do we accept that any nation can claim to be the world's judge”.
During his regular daily press conference, spokesperson Lin Jian noted that “China supports the UN Security Council in holding an emergency meeting” and would like to see it play “its due role according to its mandate.”
China, he added, stands “ready to work with the international community to firmly defend the UN Charter, the fundamental principles of international justice, and international fairness.”
Regarding China's economic interests in Venezuela, from oil to its large share of the country’s debt, Lin noted that “China’s lawful interests there will also be protected in accordance with law.”
Meanwhile, developments in Venezuela are also being closely followed in Taiwan. Yesterday, the country’s foreign ministry stated that it was closely monitoring developments in the South American country and that it would continue to cooperate with its democratic allies for regional and global security, stability, and prosperity.
Fears of possible repercussions on Taiwan are high, especially among Washington's allies in Asia.
In Tokyo for example, the discomfiture is palpable. Recently, Japan has faced strong criticism from China over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's statements that China’s military action in Taiwan would also pose a security threat to Japan, eliciting little support from the Trump administration.
“The U.S. administration’s invasion of Venezuela is a ‘change of the status quo by force’ itself, and it contradicts the grounds for denouncing China and Russia,” wrote Itsunori Onodera, a member of the Liberal Democratic Party and former defence minister.
“If,” he added, “China were to attempt a change of the status quo by force against Taiwan, it would be difficult for the Trump administration to unite international public opinion, even if the United States were to strongly oppose it. There are concerns that East Asia would become increasingly unstable.”
The Philippines, whose fishermen have to deal daily with China’s arbitrary and extensive claims in the South China Sea, has expressed grave concern over events in Venezuela, and the “consequential impact on peace and stability in the region as well as on the rules-based international order,” reads a statement by its Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
“While acknowledging the United States’ underlying security considerations, the Philippines stresses the relevant principles of international law, including the independence and sovereign equality of states, the peaceful resolution of disputes, the prohibition against the threat or use of force, and non-interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign states,” the DFA added.
India, on the other hand, has reacted with extreme caution, reaffirming “its support to the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela. We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region,” a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs reads.
This is quite different from the open condemnations of the United States by the other BRICS countries, a sign that, despite disagreements the last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi still wants to keep at least a door open to negotiate the unresolved tariff issue created by the Trump administration.
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11/03/2019 10:26
