China will not accept the United States’ unilateral policies: Wang Yi

China has firmly rejected the notion that any country can act as the world’s enforcer, holding other nations accountable at will. The comment by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi came in the wake of the controversial detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Speaking during a meeting with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Beijing on Sunday, Wang Yi did not explicitly name the United States but alluded to the “sudden developments” in Venezuela. He stated, “Beijing does not believe in the idea that any nation should consider itself the ‘world police,’ nor do we accept the claim that any state can act as the world’s judge.”

Wang Yi emphasised the importance of international law, saying, “The sovereignty and security of all countries must be fully protected under international law.”

The incident in question occurred on Saturday when 63-year-old Maduro was reportedly photographed blindfolded and handcuffed, triggering widespread alarm and debate within Venezuela. He is currently being held in a detention centre in New York and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday facing drug-related charges. This statement marked China’s first official response from its top diplomat since the highly publicised arrest.

China has long sought to position itself as a major diplomatic power on the global stage. Analysts note that Beijing’s unprecedented mediation between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023 showcased its ambitions to play a “constructive role” in resolving international crises. Additionally, China’s growing confidence stems from its ability to engage with the United States on equal footing in trade and other diplomatic negotiations.

The unfolding Venezuela episode has intensified the spotlight on global power dynamics, highlighting Beijing’s insistence on respecting state sovereignty and its aversion to unilateral intervention by other nations.

Key Timeline of the Maduro Detention Incident

Experts suggest that China’s statements reflect not only its diplomatic stance but also a broader strategy to challenge what it perceives as unilateral interventions by global powers, particularly in Latin America. Wang Yi’s comments underscore Beijing’s commitment to a multipolar world order where sovereignty and international law remain paramount.