At UN, China asks US to ‘cease bullying,’ use dialogue instead of 'toppling' Venezuelan government

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - China on Monday urged the US to "stop toppling" the Venezuelan government, urging Washington to "cease its bullying and coercive practices" and use dialogue with Caracas.

China’s deputy UN envoy Sun Lei made the remarks at the UN Security Council meeting on Venezuela following the US military raid on Saturday that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores.

"We urge the US to heed the overwhelming voice of the international community, abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, cease infringing upon the sovereignty and security of other countries, stop toppling the Government of Venezuela, and return to the path of political solutions through dialogue and negotiations," Sun said.

"We call on the US to ensure the personal safety of President Maduro and his wife and to release them at once."

“The US has disregarded the grave concerns of the international community, wantonly trampled upon Venezuela's sovereignty, security, and legitimate rights and interests, and seriously violated the principles of sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful settlement of international disputes, and the prohibition of the use of force in international relations,” he added.

Beijing, the diplomat said, demands that "the United States change its course, cease its bullying and coercive practices, and develop relations and cooperation with regional countries on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and non-interference in internal affairs."