BEIJING – China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned on Friday that intervention in Venezuela by other countries would lead to a state of anarchy in the South American country.

“It’s up to the people of a country to decide its internal affair,” Wang said at a press conference of the 19th Communist Party of China National Congress, where he also explained the key elements of the country’s foreign policy.

“External interference and sanctions will only aggravate tension and bring back the law of the jungle. There have been plenty of such lessons in history, and they shouldn’t be repeated,” he said.

“The sovereignty and independence of every country is precious, and must be cherished and preserved in equal measure,” Wang added.

“The decision of Latin American countries to establish and grow relations with China on the basis of the one-China principle accords with the trend of history and our times. It’s a correct choice that serves their fundamental and long-term interests. Such a choice shouldn’t be interfered with or criticized,” Wang said.

The foreign minister said China has greatly strengthened its ties with Latin America in the last few years, especially through the Belt and Road initiative, which has allowed China to invest globally in infrastructure and telecommunications.

On Jan. 24, the Chinese foreign minister had expressed his support to Nicolas Maduro, an ally of China, and slammed interference by the US in the South American country’s internal affairs.

However, on Feb. 1, China’s foreign ministry said that it was in close contact with all those involved in Venezuela power tussle through various channels.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang had then reiterated China’s “readiness to work with all parties” in the South American country that has plunged into a major political crisis after, Juan Guaido, the 35-year-old opposition leader, swore in as interim president on Jan. 23, replacing Nicolas Maduro.

Guaido has been recognized by more than 50 countries, including, Brazil, Colombia and the US, as the interim leader of the country.

Maduro was sworn in on Jan. 11 after he won last May’s controversial polls by a wide margin.

But much of the opposition boycotted the election and rejected the result as illegitimate.

Bron: Latin American Herald Tribune