Pak-China dialogue overshadowed by Venezuela crisis

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan on Sunday expressed concern over the rapidly evolving situation in Venezuela, urging restraint and de-escalation, as Islamabad and Beijing held the seventh round of their Strategic Dialogue in the Chinese capital that also discussed the unprecedented US raid on Caracus, besides other regional and international issues.

The dialogue, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, took place amid heightened global tensions following the US raid in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.

While China adopted a strongly worded public stance against the use of force, Pakistan issued a carefully calibrated statement later in the day, calling for adherence to international law and the principles of the UN Charter.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan said it “attaches great importance to the well-being of the people of Venezuela” and views “with concern the evolving situation” in the South American nation.

Islamabad urged “the need for restraint and de-escalation to end the crisis” and underscored “the necessity for adherence to the principles of the UN Charter as well as international law to resolve all outstanding issues.”

The Foreign Office said that Pakistan was closely monitoring developments and remained engaged in ensuring the safety and security of members of the Pakistani community in Venezuela.

Earlier in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi strongly criticised unilateral actions and the use or threat of force, warning against the erosion of international norms.

“China always opposes the use or threat of force, as well as any imposition of one country’s will on another,” Wang said, while speaking at the strategic dialogue. He noted that the sudden change of situation in Venezuela had drawn widespread international attention.

“We never believe that any country can play the role of world policeman, nor do we agree that any country can claim itself to be an international judge,” he said, adding that the sovereignty and security of all countries must be fully protected under international law.

Wang also cautioned that the current international environment had become increasingly volatile and intertwined, with what he described as unilateral bullying becoming more pronounced.

The crisis in Venezuela erupted after US forces carried out a surprise operation resulting in the detention of President Maduro, a move that has triggered global debate over sovereignty, legality and the future of the rules-based international order.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the Pakistan-China strategic dialogue reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and covered key regional and global issues. Discussions focused on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), trade and investment, multilateral cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

Both sides reaffirmed the importance of the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, describing the Pakistan-China friendship as vital for peace, stability and prosperity in the region. The two leaders also agreed to enhance coordination at bilateral and multilateral forums.

During the visit, Dar and Wang jointly unveiled the logo marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations, formally launching year-long celebrations.

Dar also visited a special photo exhibition in Beijing highlighting key milestones in the evolution of bilateral ties, from early diplomatic engagement to the launch of CPEC.

A joint statement of the seventh round of the Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue is expected to be issued on Monday, outlining agreed positions and future areas of cooperation.

The dialogue underscored the strategic depth of Pakistan-China relations at a time of intensifying geopolitical competition and mounting challenges to international stability.