International relations Archives - Page 9 of 43

Keir Starmer’s small-stick diplomacy

In the article below, published in the Morning Star on 4 February, Andrew Murray argues that Keir Starmer’s visit to China marks a rare moment of realism in British foreign policy after years of hopelessly counterproductive hostility shaped by the demands of Washington. Starmer’s pragmatism reflects an overdue recognition that rebuilding relations with China is in Britain’s material interest.

Andrew dismisses the loud and oft-repeated fears about Chinese spying and influence as hypocritical, noting Britain’s own intelligence operations and aggressive military posture in the Asia-Pacific alongside the US and its allies.

China is not parking aircraft carriers off our coast, nor entering into an Aukus-like bloc to help encircle Britain and drag it into an escalating arms race. Nor even did it hold the Isle of Wight as a colony for a century. And the considerable place it has secured in our markets was achieved without recourse to gunboats. Imagine!

The article underlines the importance of engagement in terms of the British government’s much-vaunted growth agenda: China has grown at roughly 7.5 per cent annually over the last decade, while Britain has stagnated at around 1.2 per cent.

Starmer’s willingness to proceed with the visit despite pressure from Donald Trump is praised, though Andrew notes Britain’s continued aggression in East Asia: “Britain continues to indulge in various military provocations in the Far East directed at China, alongside the US, Japan and Australia, all in service of the imperial vanity project ‘global Britain’”.

Ultimately, no major British constituency benefits from confrontation with China. The British government appears to be slowing getting to grips with this fact.

One cheer for Keir Starmer. The hapless Prime Minister has finally found a problem bequeathed by the Tories that he is addressing with some sense of purpose.

His visit to Beijing is the moment when the monkey at No 10, furiously pounding at the typewriter of governance for the last 19 months has finally produced, if not Shakespeare, at least a line or two of coherent prose.

Breaking the ice: Starmer’s pragmatic turn to China

In the following article, which was originally published by the Morning Star, Keith Bennett notes that the recent China visit by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer marked the end of a long diplomatic hiatus and produced tangible, if limited, economic results.

It had been nearly eight years since a British prime minister, Theresa May, had set foot in China. In contrast, French President Emmanuel Macron had made three visits, the most recent in last December, and the leader of Germany has also visited multiple times, with a further visit scheduled for this month.

Moreover, while travelling in the first month of the year, Starmer was already the third European head of government to visit China, being preceded by those of Ireland and Finland, and the second from the Anglophone “Five Eyes” intelligence-sharing alliance, being also preceded by his Canadian counterpart. Starmer was thus beating an already well-trodden path.

Among the results of Starmer’s visit were a Chinese pledge to unilaterally grant short-stay visa free entry to UK passport holders – a facility already enjoyed by the citizens of some 50 other countries, a halving of tariffs on whisky, and a decision by Chinese company Chery Commercial Vehicles (CCV) to open its European headquarters in Liverpool.

However, the visit predictably attracted opposition from reactionary quarters at home and abroad.

Asked what he thought of Starmer trying to forge closer business ties with China, US President Donald Trump, who himself plans to visit China in April, said: “Well, it’s very dangerous for them to do that.”

Negative reaction also came from Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, the Liberal Democrats, Reform UK and the right-wing press. Keith opines that: “To face all this down may require not simply common sense and pragmatism but degrees of political skill and courage that the Prime Minister has yet to show signs of possessing.”

For his part, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said that China and Britain should continue to carry forward the “ice-breaking spirit” and tighten their bonds of cooperation. In so doing, he invoked China’s continued respect for the July 1953 “Icebreaker Mission” — the first business delegation of its kind from any Western nation following the founding of New China — that led to the formation of the 48 Group of British Traders with China, with its core values, inspired by premier Zhou Enlai, of equality and mutual benefit.

A version of the article was also published by China Today.

From Zimbabwe to Algeria: China-Africa solidarity, a living tradition

2026 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and African nations as well as being the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. In the history of relations between China and Africa, Zimbabwe in the south of the continent and Algeria in the north may both be considered to hold a special place, in that both countries’ protracted and heroic armed struggles for national liberation against settler colonial rule were strongly supported by China from their inception and the three countries have continued to advance hand-in-hand as a community of shared future.

On June 28, Chinese President Xi Jinping replied to a letter he received from a group of veterans of Zimbabwe’s national liberation war.

In his letter, Xi noted that in their youth, the veterans devoted themselves to the great cause of national liberation, left their homelands, and forged with China a profound friendship and comradeship in the struggle. To this day, they remain deeply committed to China-Zimbabwe and China-Africa friendship, which is deeply moving.

Stressing that 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and African nations as well as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, Xi wrote that over the past 70 years, China has always been a good comrade and partner in Africa’s quest for national liberation, development and rejuvenation and against imperialism and colonialism. He also expressed the hope that the veterans will inspire more African youth to devote themselves to the cause of China-Zimbabwe and China-Africa friendship.

The veterans recently wrote to Xi, expressing gratitude for China’s valuable support for Zimbabwe’s national liberation, admiration for his leadership of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese people in achieving remarkable accomplishments in the new era, and for forging a Chinese path to modernisation that offers valuable insights for other developing countries. They expressed pride in the all-weather Zimbabwe-China community with a shared future, pledging to dedicate themselves to carrying forward the friendship between the two countries.

A commentary carried by the Xinhua News Agency recalled that China has firmly supported Africa’s struggle against imperialism and colonialism and the continent’s cause of national liberation. During Zimbabwe’s national liberation struggle in the 1960s and 1970s, many fighters received training in China or from Chinese instructors in Africa, creating enduring stories in the history of the two countries’ relations.

Ahead of his state visit to Zimbabwe in 2015, Xi published a signed article in Zimbabwean media, recalling the profound and time-tested friendship between the two countries.

“During the national liberation struggle in Zimbabwe, the Chinese people steadfastly stood behind the Zimbabwean people as comrades in arms. I was touched to learn that many Zimbabwean freedom fighters who received training from the Chinese side both in China and at Nachingwea camp in Tanzania can still sing songs such as the ‘Three Rules of Discipline and the Eight Points for Attention’,” Xi wrote.

The sun has risen in the east – George Galloway’s message to Europe

The following is an interview with George Galloway, former member of the British parliament and leader of the Workers’ Party of Britain, published by the Chinese newspaper Global Times on January 25, focused on the present position and prospects of Europe in geopolitics.

Asked first about the reported ‘framework of a deal’ supposedly reached by NATO and US President Trump in the margins of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, regarding the Danish colony of Greenland, which Trump is threatening to annex, George replies:

“We’ll have to wait and see what deal emerges, whether it will be acceptable to the people of Greenland, and whether it will be acceptable to the people of Denmark. But none of that, even if there is a deal, can wipe out the sheer thuggery – really mafia-style gangsterism – of the current US administration’s conduct over this matter in the last few months.

“The world has never seen a situation where an ally can be so openly aggressive, belligerent and threatening toward a country like Denmark, which has been an unquestioning supporter of everything the US has ever asked of it. It was the very first country in the whole world to recognise the NATO annexation of Kosovo, when Kosovo was torn from its motherland in Serbia.”

In his view, relations between Europe and the US “are comprehensively ruined, and that’s why European leaders who have been lecturing, badgering, and pressuring China for years are all making hasty reservations – not for a slow boat to China, but a quick one. That’s why Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was there. That’s why French President Emmanuel Macron was there. That’s why British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is coming.”

In this new situation, Europe “should make peace and amity with China and with Russia, make new arrangements with the rising powers in the world.” However, “their current political leadership almost certainly will not do that, because, if I can quote Shakespeare in Macbeth – they are steeped in blood so far that it is difficult to know whether to go on or to go back.”

[“I am in blood / Stepped in so far, that, should I wade no more, / Returning were as tedious as go o’er” – William Shakespeare, Macbeth, Act III, Scene IV]

Referring to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Davos speech, where he said that “the so-called rules-based order is not just fading; it was always a lie. He said the rest of us knew that it was a lie, but we went along with it because it benefited us to do so,” George adds:

“This is a remarkable admission. I’m not sure whether there has been a more remarkable admission in modern history than this. Some clear-sighted politicians and observers have been saying it all along, for which they were insulted, marginalised or even punished, but this view is now being openly acknowledged by a member of NATO, and by the prime minister of a Five Eyes country.”

Greenland in the New Cold War

The following article from Beijing Review, written by Carlos Martinez, situates Donald Trump’s renewed threats to seize Greenland within the broader context of Washington’s escalating strategic confrontation with China. While framed publicly as a matter of “national and world security,” the push to bring Greenland under direct US control reflects a desire to lock in long-term dominance over Arctic territory, resources and shipping routes that are becoming increasingly important as climate change reshapes global logistics.

In 2017, Beijing proposed incorporating Arctic sea lanes into the Belt and Road Initiative, developing a “Polar Silk Road” in cooperation with Russia. These routes could reduce shipping times between China and northern Europe by 30 percent, and furthermore offer an alternative to US-controlled maritime chokepoints. From Washington’s perspective, Greenland sits at a critical junction in the North Atlantic–Arctic corridor and offers leverage to disrupt or control these emerging routes in any future conflict.

The island’s vast reserves of critical minerals, including rare earth elements, add to its strategic significance. China currently dominates global rare earth mining and processing, giving it a major advantage in high-tech manufacturing and a potential counterweight to US sanctions and trade pressure. Securing Greenland’s resources is therefore seen as part of a wider effort to weaken China’s industrial and technological position.

Carlos argues that US ambitions in Greenland are less about immediate access – already largely guaranteed through existing agreements with Denmark – and more about preventing any future scenario in which Greenlandic self-determination could constrain US power. In this sense, Greenland becomes a central piece in Washington’s emerging New Cold War strategy of containing China’s rise.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed threats to bring Greenland under American control—”the easy way” if possible, “the hard way” if necessary—have sent shockwaves through Europe and put NATO’s future in question, at a moment when the Atlantic alliance is already under considerable strain.

Clearly intent on starting the year off “with a bang”—having abducted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and threatened a renewed bombing campaign against Iran—Trump has reiterated his long-standing interest in “acquiring” Greenland from Denmark, employing a combination of economic and military threats. What followed has been nothing short of a geopolitical rollercoaster ride.

On January 17, Trump announced he would impose a 10-percent import tariff on eight European allies that have opposed his bid to purchase the island: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, France, Germany, Britain and the Netherlands. In an NBC News interview just two days later, he pointedly refused to rule out seizing Greenland by force, declaring on social media that the island is “imperative for National and World Security” and that “there can be no going back.”

On January 21, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump reversed course, claiming he had no intention of a forcible takeover. Instead, he framed the pursuit as a strategic necessity, citing the territory’s position between the U.S., Russia and China, and recasting history to suit his pitch. While accurately noting the U.S. had defended Greenland during World War II, he falsely claimed America “gave Greenland back” to Denmark after the war, asserting, “All the U.S. is asking for is a place called Greenland, where we already had it as a trustee, but respectfully returned it back to Denmark not long ago.”

This rewriting obscures the fact that Greenland was never America’s to give—it has long been a self-governing part of Denmark.

Hours after his Davos speech, Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that he had agreed to a “framework” with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte for a “future deal with respect to Greenland” and “the entire Arctic region.” As part of this arrangement, he stated he would suspend the threatened tariffs on European allies next month.

CPC delegation visits India and Pakistan

Sun Haiyan, Vice-Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC), led a party delegation to visit India, January 12-14, and then visited Pakistan on January 15.

In India, the delegation met respectively with Vikram Misri, Indian Foreign Secretary, Arun Singh, National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Salman Khurshid, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Department of the Indian National Congress (INC) and former Minister of External Affairs of India, and held collective exchanges with Indian left-wing leaders including D. Raja, General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI), G. Devarajan, General Secretary of All India Forward Bloc, and Arun Kumar, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM).

Vikram Misri said that under the joint guidance of the leaders of both countries, India-China relations have developed steadily, and exchanges and cooperation have made positive progress. India hopes to work with China to take positive measures to promote closer exchanges and cooperation in various fields and jointly create a favorable atmosphere. The website of India’s Ministry of External Affairs added that: “The discussions covered the progress made in stabilising and rebuilding bilateral ties with priority on business and people-centric engagements, and ways to take bilateral engagement forward in the new year. The Chinese side congratulated the Indian side on assuming the BRICS chairship this year and expressed its strong support for a successful BRICS Summit in India.”

Arun Singh said that the BJP hopes to strengthen dialogue with the CPC to enhance understanding and mutual trust and contribute to the development of relations between the two countries. For his part, Salman Khurshid said that the INC had made important contributions to promoting India-China friendship in history and believes that under the new circumstances, both sides should strengthen exchanges to jointly improve the well-being of the people of both countries.

Indian left-wing leaders expressed their firm support for India-China friendship and their hope of further strengthening inter-party relations and deepening exchanges and mutual learning with the CPC. Representatives from Indian think tanks, media, youth, and other sectors expressed their willingness to actively participate in and promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries, as well as play a part in forming an objective and positive mutual understanding between the people of both countries.

The day after its meeting with the BJP, the CPC delegation also held a brief meeting with the leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is considered to be the ideological progenitor of the BJP and other organisations based on Hindu communalism. This, in turn, triggered a verbal spat between the BJP and INC, initiated by the latter, in which each sought to impugn the integrity of the other party’s engagements with China and specifically with the CPC. A summary of the dispute, which reflects the continued sensitivity and fragility of China-India relations, as reported in the Hindustan Times, may be read here.

Xi congratulates Vietnamese counterpart on re-election

Following the conclusion of the 14^th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), the first meeting of the newly elected Central Committee was held on the morning of January 23. The meeting unanimously re-elected To Lam to the position of General Secretary.

Extending congratulations to his Vietnamese counterpart, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that the successful convening of the 14th National Congress of the CPV has opened a new era in Vietnam’s national development, and will inspire and promote the development of the global socialist movement.

He described China and Vietnam as friendly socialist neighbours and as a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, adding that he attaches great importance to the relations between the two parties and countries, and is willing to work with To Lam to strengthen strategic communication, carry forward the traditional friendship, and firmly advance the socialist cause.

The following article was originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

BEIJING, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) — Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Friday congratulated To Lam on his election as general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee.

In his message, Xi said that since the 13th National Congress of the CPV, the party has steadfastly pursued a socialist modernization path that suits Vietnam’s national conditions, upheld and strengthened the party’s overall leadership, and united and led the Vietnamese people to achieve remarkable accomplishments in the cause of socialist construction and reform, hence a continuous boost in Vietnam’s international status and influence.

Lula and Xi consult on bilateral ties and regional situation

Chinese President Xi Jinping held an important telephone conversation with his Brazilian counterpart President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on January 23.

President Xi noted that in 2024, he and President Lula jointly announced the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet. For more than one year since then, the two countries have gained strong momentum in building a community with a shared future and made solid progress in synergising development strategies, thus setting an example of solidarity and cooperation between Global South countries.

The Chinese leader stressed that facing the turbulent international landscape, China and Brazil, as important members of the Global South, are constructive forces for upholding world peace and stability and reforming and improving global governance. China and Brazil should firmly stand on the right side of history, better champion the common interests of both their countries along with the Global South, and jointly uphold the central position of the United Nations and international fairness and justice. China will always be a good friend and good partner of Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries and continue promoting a China-LAC community with a shared future.

President Lula said that Brazil will work with China to promote greater development of bilateral and LAC-China relations. Brazil and China are important forces in upholding multilateralism and free trade. Given the worrying international situation, Brazil is willing to collaborate closely with China to defend the authority of the United Nations, strengthen BRICS cooperation, and safeguard regional and world peace and stability.

On one level, this call may be understood as part of the normal, close and friendly relationship between the two countries. However, with the ever more aggressive behaviour of US imperialism in the western hemisphere, presently dubbed the ‘Donroe Doctrine’ by some, which saw 2026 begin with the flagrant kidnapping of the Venezuelan President and First Lady, growing threats to numerous other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Cuba, Colombia and Mexico, and undisguised attempts to undermine and destroy the mutually beneficial and friendly relations between China and countries in the region, the call doubtless acquires additional significance and urgency.

The following article was originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

On the morning of January 23, 2026, President Xi Jinping spoke with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on the phone.

President Xi noted that in 2024, President Lula and I jointly announced the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet. For more than one year since then, the two countries have gained strong momentum in building a community with a shared future and made solid progress in synergizing development strategies, thus setting an example of solidarity and cooperation between Global South countries. This year marks the beginning of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. China will pursue high-quality development through high-standard opening up and provide more opportunities for cooperation with Brazil. China is ready to work with Brazil to comprehensively advance mutually beneficial cooperation across the board, and promote greater development and usher in a brighter future of China-Brazil relations.

Fatah delegation visits China

Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC), met in Beijing on January 16 with a visiting delegation of the Palestinian National Liberation Movement Fatah led by Bassam Zakarneh, Member of Fatah’s Revolutionary Council of Palestine and Fatah’s Deputy Minister of Arab Relations and Chinese Affairs.

Liu said that the CPC is willing to work with Fatah to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen political mutual trust, firmly support each other on issues involving respective core interests and major concerns, enhance experience exchange in state governance and administration and cooperation in areas such as youth and women, strengthen coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs, and promote greater development of China-Palestine strategic partnership through inter-party channels.

Zakarneh said, Palestine spoke highly of the profound and enduring friendship between Palestine and China and sincerely thanks China for the long-term strong support and selfless assistance to the Palestinian people. Palestine will, as always, firmly support China’s core concerns and the cause of reunification.

The following article was originally published on the IDCPC website.

Liu Haixing Meets with a Fatah Delegation of Palestine

Beijing, January 16th (IDCPC) — Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with a delegation led by Bassam Zakarneh, Member of Fatah’s Revolutionary Council of Palestine and Fatah’s Deputy Minister of Arab Relations and Chinese Affairs.

Liu said, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Mahmoud Abbas, China-Palestine relations have maintained good momentum of development. The CPC is willing to work with Fatah to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen political mutual trust, firmly support each other on issues involving respective core interests and major concerns, enhance experience exchange in state governance and administration and cooperation in areas such as youth and women, strengthen coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs, and promote greater development of China-Palestine strategic partnership through inter-party channels. Liu also introduced the main achievements of the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and the fifth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

Zakarneh said, Palestine highly spoke of the profound and enduring friendship between Palestine and China and sincerely thanks China for the long-term strong support and selfless assistance to the Palestinian people. Palestine will, as always, firmly support China’s core concerns and the cause of reunification. Fatah pays close attention to the Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development adopted at the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and is willing to further deepen exchanges and cooperation with the CPC, learn from China’s successful experiences in aspects such as comprehensively exercising rigorous governance over the Party, cultivation of cadres and economic development.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.

Jin Xin, Assistant-minister of the IDCPC, Firas Shomaly, Member of Fatah’s Revolutionary Council of Palestine, and Jawad Mohammed Qutish Awad, Palestinian Ambassador to China, and others, were present.

Mark Carney’s visit seals reset in Canada-China relations

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney paid an official visit to China from January 13-17 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang. It was the first China visit by a Canadian head of government in eight years, and all reports indicate that it may be considered as marking a definitive start to a new chapter in mutually respectful and beneficial relations following a sharp downturn in traditionally friendly ties occasioned by the supine approach taken to US imperialism by Carney’s predecessor Justin Trudeau.

Capitulating to US demands, in December 2018, Canada had arrested Chief Financial Officer of telecommunications firm Huawei, Meng Wanzhou, whilst she was in transit to Mexico. After a persistent struggle, she was finally able to return home in September 2021.

Despite such craven behaviour on the part of his northern neighbour, President Donald Trump’s reward has been to threaten Canada with annexation as the “51^st state” and to subject the country to arbitrary and punitive tariffs and other forms of pressure.

Previewing Carney’s Beijing visit, the Chinese newspaper Global Times quoted Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, as noting that, “China and Canada have long shared strong economic complementarity and close people-to-people ties, but in recent years under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canada’s China policy veered off course under ideological influence and excessive alignment with US policy. Since Mark Carney took office, Canada has gone through a process of serious reassessment. As major changes in US policy have shattered Canada’s previous illusions, Ottawa has begun to shed some of the constraints and ideological biases that previously limited its China policy.”

In a 12 January commentary published by CGTN, Professor Radhika Desai of the University of Manitoba noted that Carney, “is visiting China while the US is breathing threateningly and aggressively down Canada’s neck in its Trump II rogue avatar in the most unwelcome way possible.”

She adds that: “Canadians gave Carney’s Liberal Party an overwhelming mandate just last spring to pry Canada loose from the clutches of the US and diversify the country’s economic relations. The logical implication of deepening relations with China would be non-controversial were it not for sections of the political and corporate class which prefer to kowtow to Trump’s bullying.”

At the same time, she cautions that: “Canada remains part of the imperial world. Although without formal colonies, it is a settler-colonial society ensconced for centuries in a very favourable niche in the imperial system. As such, it has difficulty facing up to today’s multipolar world in which non-Western powers, preeminently China, loom large, while at the same time nursing the illusion that closer relations with the UK and the EU could suffice as an alternative to the US.”

Nevertheless, “closer relations between China and Canada will be to the mutual benefit of Canadians and Chinese… While Canada’s very deep entanglement with the US, in economic terms, not to mention security terms, will make progress in advancing China-Canada economic relations difficult, the urgency of diversifying away from the US is unlikely to diminish, and China is Canada’s most attractive option.”

President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Carney on the morning of January 16.

According to the report of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, President Xi pointed out that his meeting with Prime Minister Carney in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea (ROK), last October marked a turnaround of the relationship and placed it on a new trajectory of positive development.

The sound and steady growth of China-Canada relations serves the common interests of the two countries and contributes to peace, stability, development and prosperity in the world. With a sense of responsibility for history, for the people and for the world, the two sides should advance the China-Canada new Strategic Partnership, steer their ties onto the track of sound, steady and sustainable development, and bring more benefits to both peoples.

Venezuela and China reaffirm mutual solidarity

Venezuela and China have taken several opportunities to reaffirm their continued mutual support and solidarity following the brigandish US aggression which saw the kidnap of President Maduro and his wife, the murder of numerous Venezuelans and Cuban internationalists, and repeated hegemonic acts and utterances by the US, seeking, among other things, to estrange Venezuela from its closest friends, including China, Cuba and Russia.

On January 9, Acting President Delcy Rodriguez reported that she had met the previous day with Chinese Ambassador Lan Hu and expressed gratitude to China for condemning the US aggression against Venezuela and the seizure of the country’s legitimate President and First Lady. She noted that Caracas values China’s firm position in strongly denouncing the grave violations of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty.

For her part, responding to Rodriguez’s comments on social media, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said that China attaches importance to its relations with Venezuela and maintains sound communication and cooperation with the Venezuelan government.

Also on January 8, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil once again expressed his gratitude to China for its support for Venezuela in social media posts. Posting on X, he said that: “We thank China for its firm position in rejecting the violation of international law and of Venezuela’s sovereignty. The Venezuelan people reaffirm their commitment to political, territorial sovereignty and over their natural resources.”

He also posted a video of Mao Ning responding to questions on Venezuela and stated on Telegram that: “Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to deepening trade and economic agreements with the People’s Republic of China.”

In a previous posting on X, Gil stated that: “We particularly value its [China’s] warning that no country can place its norms and foreign policies above the international provisions that govern and protect all our peoples. Likewise, we extend our gratitude for China’s willingness to collaborate with the Latin American and Caribbean region in preserving the status of peace zone.”

The following article was originally published by Global Times.

Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez on Thursday expressed gratitude to China for condemning the US aggression against Venezuela and the seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, according to a post Rodriguez published on Instagram.

Wang Yi continues 36-year tradition with first visit of 2026 to Africa

For the 36^th consecutive year, the Chinese Foreign Minister has begun his program of diplomatic visits for 2026 by visiting Africa.

Beginning January 7, Wang Yi visited Ethiopia (which is also the home of the African Union), followed by Tanzania and Lesotho.

On January 8, Wang and Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf jointly held the ninth China-AU Strategic Dialogue at the AU headquarters in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.

Wang Yi said that the AU is the “locomotive” driving African unity and cooperation, playing an important and unique role in China-Africa relations. President Xi Jinping has sent congratulatory messages to the AU Summits for 13 consecutive years, which fully demonstrates China’s high regard for developing relations with the AU. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between China and Africa, and also the 36th consecutive year for Africa to be the destination of the Chinese Foreign Minister’s first overseas trip in a new year.

Elaborating on the significance of this, Wang said that it is the inheritance of the China-Africa friendship. China-Africa friendship was forged in their arm-in-arm struggle for the cause of national independence and liberation and has matured through their respective national development and economic growth. It demonstrates the solidarity of developing countries. Both China and Africa belong to the Global South and share similar historical experiences and common aspirations. The unity and concerted efforts of more than 2.8 billion people in China and Africa will enable them to overcome any difficulties and challenges, accelerate the pace of their shared path toward modernisation, and contribute to a more equitable, cooperative, harmonious and stable world.

China is willing to leverage its own development to provide support for the vast number of developing countries, including those in Africa, to achieve modernisation together and jointly safeguard the interests of the Global South. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has played an important role in the common development of China and Africa, blazing a path of win-win cooperation between China and Africa. Both sides should continue to make good use of this platform to deepen practical cooperation.

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said that China is a partner that Africa can fully trust and rely on. The fact that the Chinese foreign ministers have made Africa the destination of their first overseas visit in a new year for 36 consecutive years fully reflects China’s strategic emphasis on Africa. Africa-China friendship, based on mutual respect and a shared vision for peace and development, has become a model of cooperation in the Global South. The AU appreciates China’s long-standing partnership with Africa across various fields and its selfless support for Africa’s development. It further highly commends the fruitful outcomes of the FOCAC and the tangible benefits it has brought to the people of Africa and China.

Youssouf added that the AU congratulates China on successfully hosting the Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. At a time when power politics and bullying are on the rise and multilateralism is under attack, Africa and China are at a critical moment to remember history, look to the future, and defend sovereignty. It is even more necessary for Africa and China to deepen their partnership.

In a Joint Press Release of the African Union-China Strategic Dialogue, both sides noted that China and the African Union, members of the Global South, share broad consensus on major international and regional issues. They underscored the importance of jointly safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting each other to safeguard their respective core interests and major concerns. In this regard, they emphasised the need to further strengthen coordination and cooperation in order to inject positive momentum into global and regional peace, stability, and development.

The two sides reiterated the imperative of upholding a global order based on international law, in particular the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the peaceful settlement of disputes and specifically expressed concerns on the recent developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, reaffirmimg that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected, and the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law must be adhered to.

Xi Jinping congratulates Lao leader on re-election

The 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) concluded on January 8, with the re-election of Thongloun Sisoulith as General Secretary.

On the same day, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, sent a congratulatory message to Thongloun Sisoulith.

Xi wrote that the successful convening of the 12th National Congress of the LPRP is highly significant for building on past achievements and opening up new prospects for the development of the party and the socialist cause in Laos. He expressed the hope that under the strong leadership of the LPRP Central Committee with Thongloun Sisoulith at its core, the LPRP and the Lao people will remain united and continue their efforts to successfully fulfill all goals and tasks set forth by the 12th National Congress of the LPRP, continuously make new advances in the socialist cause of Laos, and press forward with resolve toward the party’s centenary goal in 2055.

He added that China and Laos are friendly socialist neighbours connected by shared mountains and rivers. In recent years, through joint efforts of both sides, China-Laos relations have been at their best in history, with the endeavor to build the China-Laos community of shared future with strategic significance steadily deepening and becoming more tangible, yielding a series of fruitful results.

Xi Jinping said he is ready to work with General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith to strengthen the strategic guidance for the development of China-Laos relations, carry forward the traditional friendship between China and Laos, deepen the exchange of experience in both party and state governance, expand practical cooperation in various fields, and drive the building of the China-Laos community with a shared future toward a high-standard, high-quality and high-level goal, with a view to bring greater benefits to the two peoples, better serve the development of the socialist cause of both countries, and make new contributions to promoting peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region and the world at large.

Among the similar messages received by Thongloun Sisoulith were those from General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam, and President of the Cambodian People’s Party Hun Sen.

The following articles were originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry and by the KPL Lao News Agency.

Community or Command: China, the American Pole, and the battle for Latin America

The following article from Weaponized Information, published in late December 2025, frames the current period as a pivotal moment for Latin America and the Caribbean, with competing visions of how the region fits into broader geopolitical shifts.

“Within weeks of each other, two texts appeared that quietly announced Latin America and the Caribbean as a decisive front in the struggle over the next world order. China released its third Policy Paper on Latin America and the Caribbean, framing the present as a moment of ‘changes unseen in a century’, with the Global South rising in influence while unilateral coercion destabilises peace and development. At nearly the same time, the Trump administration issued its National Security Strategy, declaring that American power had been ‘restored’, borders militarised, tariffs weaponised, and the Western Hemisphere re-centred as a strategic priority under an unapologetic America First doctrine. These are not parallel statements. They are opposing blueprints.”

China’s policy paper presents the region as an active political subject and an essential force within the rising Global South. It emphasises integration through trade, infrastructure, industrial cooperation, technology transfer, cultural exchange, regional institution-building, local-currency settlement, and engagement via multilateral bodies such as CELAC. In China’s vision, sovereignty is strengthened through diversified partnerships that reduce exposure to US financial vetoes, sanctions and conditional lending.

The Trump administration’s NSS, by contrast, is framed in terms of the restoration and enforcement of US hegemony. It asserts that US power has been “restored” under an unapologetic America First doctrine, militarising borders, weaponising tariffs and engaging in direct military aggression. Such a strategy does not treat Latin America and the Caribbean as a collective political subject at all, but as a managed perimeter and strategic rear base, echoing the Monroe Doctrine without any liberal euphemism. Infrastructure, ports, supply chains, payment systems and information spaces are reclassified as assets to be locked down or insulated from “non-hemispheric competitors”. Security becomes the alibi for expanded coercive reach.

The article highlights that in the lived history of the Americas, “security” has often meant security for capital and compliant oligarchies, enforced through coups, lawfare and counterinsurgency against popular movements.

When China speaks of development without political conditions, it challenges the architecture that has historically converted economic dependency into political obedience. The US response to China’s role is to attempt to narrow options for countries of the region, via the threat of tariffs, sanctions, statecraft, destabilisation, lawfare and – as we are currently witnessing in Venezuela – direct military aggression and the blatant violation of the most basic principles of international law.

The author concludes that the difference between the US and Chinese approach is not about democracy versus authoritarianism, but community versus command. Multipolar integration introduces something disruptive the region has long been denied: the normalisation of choice. The intensity of the US’s reaction signals a historic shift – autonomy is no longer unthinkable. The hemisphere now faces a clear struggle over whether it remains frozen in managed dependency or expands sovereignty through cooperation and plural development paths.

The Hemisphere at the Breaking Point

There are moments when states stop improvising and start publishing doctrine. Not press statements, not campaign slogans, but documents meant to harden intentions into policy and turn instinct into structure. Late 2025 was one of those moments. Within weeks of each other, two texts appeared that quietly announced Latin America and the Caribbean as a decisive front in the struggle over the next world order. China released its third Policy Paper on Latin America and the Caribbean, framing the present as a moment of “changes unseen in a century,” with the Global South rising in influence while unilateral coercion destabilizes peace and development. At nearly the same time, the Trump administration issued its National Security Strategy, declaring that American power had been “restored,” borders militarized, tariffs weaponized, and the Western Hemisphere re-centered as a strategic priority under an unapologetic America First doctrine. These are not parallel statements. They are opposing blueprints.

Strategic dialogue enhances China-Pakistan friendship

Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, visited China from January 3-5, 2026 and co-chaired the Seventh Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue in Beijing with his Chinese counterpart and host Wang Yi on January 4.

Following the dialogue a detailed Joint Press Communiqué was issued setting out its decisions. Among its key points are:

The two sides announced the launch of commemorative activities in 2026 celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, which will serve as an opportunity to consolidate China-Pakistan friendship and expand new areas of cooperation so that China-Pakistan friendship could grow from strength to strength and pass from generation to generation.

The two sides reaffirmed their unyielding support for each other on issues concerning their respective core interests. Pakistan reaffirmed its firm commitment to the one-China principle and reiterated that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. Pakistan firmly supports every effort of China to achieve national reunification and opposes any form of “Taiwan independence” and any attempt to create “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan.”

China reiterated its steadfast support for Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. China supports Pakistan in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions and achieving economic prosperity and supports Pakistan in firmly combating terrorism and playing a bigger role in international and regional affairs.

The two sides agreed to further align their development plans and priorities and build an upgraded version 2.0 of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is a pioneering project of the Belt and Road Initiative. The two sides agreed to focus on the three key sectors of industry, agriculture and mining, promote the building and operation of the Gwadar Port, ensure the smooth passage of the Karakoram Highway, and enhance Pakistan’s capacity for sustainable development. The two sides will deepen cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, information technology, science and technology, cybersecurity, technical and vocational training and education, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

The two sides welcomed third-party participation in CPEC cooperation that conforms with the modalities set by China and Pakistan.

The two sides expressed satisfaction at their expanding space cooperation and for the expected early entrance of Pakistani astronauts into the China Space Station. They agreed to explore space in a peaceful and mutually beneficial manner for greater economic and social development and prosperity.

The two sides agreed that it is essential to firmly uphold the outcomes of the victory of World War II, adhere to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, reject attempts to distort historical facts, and oppose the plotted resurgence of fascism and militarism.

The two sides emphasised the importance of a South Asian regional order underpinned by the UN Charter, international law, and the basic norms governing international relations, reiterated opposition to any unilateral actions, and reaffirmed the significance of maintaining peace and stability in South Asia and the necessity of resolving all outstanding disputes through dialogue and consultation.

The Pakistani side briefed the Chinese side on its position on and latest developments of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. China reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is left over from history and should be properly and peacefully resolved in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements.

The two sides expressed readiness to continue leveraging the China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue and the China-Bangladesh-Pakistan cooperation mechanism to deliver new outcomes.

Pakistan highly commended China’s efforts to safeguard developing countries’ right to sustainable development.

The two sides expressed satisfaction over their cooperation within multilateral mechanisms such as the UN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and agreed to deepen coordination and collaboration to safeguard the common interests of developing countries and international fairness and justice.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, their support for multilateralism and free trade, and their opposition to hegemonism, bullying behaviours violating national sovereignty of other countries, the forming of “small circles” and bloc confrontation.

China congratulated Pakistan on its outstanding performance during its UN Security Council presidency and expressed full support for Pakistan to work as the rotating president of the SCO from 2026 to 2027.

The two sides agreed to keep in close communication and coordination on the Afghan issue, work with the international community to encourage the Afghan government to build an inclusive political framework, adopt moderate policies, focus on development, pursue good-neighbourliness, and play a constructive role in helping Afghanistan achieve stable development and integrate into the international community. The two sides called for more visible and verifiable actions to dismantle and eliminate all terrorist organisations based in Afghanistan which continue to pose serious threats to regional and global security and prevent terrorist organisations from using the Afghan territory for terrorism against any other country and to endanger any other country.

The two sides called for an unconditional, comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and reaffirmed their support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and for the implementation of the two-state solution with the establishment of an independent state of Palestine. The two sides also expressed their concern at the situation in the occupied West Bank and urged the need for urgently addressing it.

The two sides agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad next year on mutually convenient dates.

The following is the full text of the joint communiqué. It was originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

China at UN: Venezuela has every right to defend its sovereignty and national dignity

China has again declared its solidarity with Venezuela and its strong condemnation of the United States’ flagrant and brigandish acts of aggression, including the illegal kidnapping of the country’s President and First Lady.

Speaking at an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council on January 5, requested by Colombia and supported by China, Russia and other countries, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Sun Lei said that:

“On January 3, the United States blatantly launched large-scale military strikes against Venezuela, forcibly seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, and took them out of the country. It claimed that it would ‘run’ Venezuela and even did not rule out launching a second round of military operations on an even larger scale. China is deeply shocked by and strongly condemns the unilateral, illegal, and bullying acts by the United States.”

Noting that the council had already previously convened two emergency meetings in connection with the US sanctions, blockade, and threats of force against Venezuela, he said that, “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. These principles constitute the fundamental tenets of the UN Charter and form the cornerstone of maintaining international peace and security. The US has placed its own power above multilateralism and military actions above diplomatic efforts, posing a grave threat to peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean and even internationally. China firmly opposes this, and the international community has also expressed widespread grave concerns and strong condemnation.”

Trump’s National Security Strategy lays bare the imperialist ambitions of the US ruling class

The following article by Carlos Martinez argues that the Trump administration’s new National Security Strategy (NSS) marks a sharper and less diplomatic phase of US imperial policy. Its most notable feature is the explicit reassertion of the Monroe Doctrine, pledging to block “non-Hemispheric competitors” from controlling strategic assets or positioning forces in the Americas. The article interprets this as a signal of escalating hybrid war against Latin American and Caribbean states that resist US dominance and maintain strong ties with China, Russia, Iran and other countries that resist imperialist hegemony.

A parallel theme is Europe’s changing role in US strategy. While previous Cold War alliances treated Western Europe as Washington’s primary partner against the Soviet Union, the NSS portrays Europe as economically weakened, politically fragmented, and strategically unreliable. The US instead expects Europe to accept a more clearly subordinate relationship, to spend its taxpayers’ money on the US military-industrial complex, to align fully with US sanctions and technology controls, and to absorb higher tariffs or punishment if it deviates. The document’s rhetoric on migration, “demographic collapse” and low birthrates is fuel for rising far-right nationalist politics that Washington may leverage.

Despite limited direct mentions of China, the NSS outlines a long-term confrontation strategy focused on the Indo-Pacific, strengthening US military presence in the Western Pacific, reinforcing the First Island Chain, boosting allies’ military budgets, and deepening support for Taiwan as a geopolitical flashpoint. The article concludes that the NSS prioritises maintaining US hegemony, disrupting China’s global influence, and suppressing multipolar alternatives, framing the strategy as a continuation and escalation of the US’s longstanding campaign of containment and encirclement of China.

A shorter version of this article first appeared in Beijing Review.

The Trump administration’s new National Security Strategy (NSS), released in late November, has inspired widespread comment and a diverse array of interpretations.

The most striking feature of the document is its explicit re-assertion of the Monroe Doctrine, shifting the focus of US military strategy towards “defending our hemisphere”, with “more troops, bases and military operations” in the Americas. Hegemony over the Western Hemisphere is of course a constant of US foreign policy, but previous administrations have at least made some pretence at multilateralism and respect for international law. The NSS does away with any such niceties:

Chinese scholar says resistance is only viable approach but patience is needed

The following is the text of an interview conducted by the Tehran Times with Chinese scholar Professor Jin Liangxiang on the sidelines of the recent Conference on People’s Rights and Legitimate Freedoms in the Thoughts of Ayatollah Khamenei.

Professor Jin notes that: “The Americans like to talk about liberal democracy and, when doing so, they link it to human rights. They even intervene in the domestic affairs of countries in the Middle East – such as Iran and many others – in the name of humanitarian concerns.

“But in Gaza and Palestine, we have witnessed atrocities committed by Israel, resulting in more than 70,000 deaths. In this regard, the Americans have turned a blind eye. So, I believe the United States is not in a position to lecture others about liberal democracy or to intervene under the banner of humanitarianism.”

Responding to a question on different perceptions of people’s rights and freedoms, he stresses that resistance is the only way out:

“When we talk about freedom, we must begin with justice. The most serious challenge to justice in the region is hegemony and power politics. Therefore, resistance becomes the only viable approach to achieving justice.

“We should not assume that hegemonic powers will make concessions on their own. Those policies will not disappear by themselves. The only way to deliver justice is through resistance. Even though the Middle East has experienced some changes in recent years, as long as oppression exists, resistance will continue.”

However: “The evolution of the international order will be a long process. People across the region – not only Iranians – do not accept hegemony. But weakening hegemonic structures and transforming the global order will take time… So, patience is required. BRICS is developing strong momentum and is expanding with new members. It will need time for internal integration, improving mechanisms, and organising resources. But it will become an important mechanism in shaping the future international order, playing a growing role not only financially but also politically and in the security arena.”

Jin is a senior research fellow at the Shanghai Institute for International Studies (SIIS) as well as a nonresident senior fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, based in Doha, Qatar.

The following article was originally published by Tehran Times. A video of the interview may be viewed here.

Xi Jinping assails unilateral and bullying acts in meeting with Irish leader

Chinese President Xi Jinping has taken the opportunity of his first meeting with a foreign visitor in 2026 to denounce unilateral and bullying acts in international relations – a clear reference not least to the piratical action of the United States in brutally kidnapping, maltreating and attempting to humiliate Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.

Xi was meeting on the morning of January 5 with Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin, who began an official visit to China the previous day. It is the first visit to China by an Irish head of government in 14 years and will last until January 8.

At the start of his opening remarks, Xi Jinping made a significant statement, noting that both China and Ireland are peace-loving, open, inclusive, self-reliant and enterprising. The two countries achieved independence and national liberation through the struggle of the people and have advanced toward modernisation with the hard work of one generation after another.

He added that mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit are valuable experience gathered from long-term steady development of China-Ireland relations. He said the two sides should jointly pass them down and carry them forward and underlined the need for China and Ireland to maintain friendly exchanges at multiple levels and in different fields, continuously enhance communication and understanding, accommodate each other’s core interests and major concerns, cement political mutual trust, and consolidate the political foundation of bilateral relations. China stands ready to work with Ireland to step up economic and trade cooperation, seek synergy of development strategies in such areas as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and pharmaceuticals and health, and encourage two-way investment, so as to draw on each other’s strengths, share opportunities, and pursue common development. The two sides need to strengthen cooperation in education, culture and tourism, and foster closer people-to-people bonds. China welcomes more Irish youth to come to China for study and exchanges.

President Xi then pointed out that the world today is undergoing changes and turbulence. Unilateral and bullying acts are dealing a serious blow to the international order. All countries should respect other countries’ development paths chosen independently by their people and observe international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Major countries, in particular, should lead by example. Both China and Ireland support multilateralism and advocate international fairness and justice. The two sides should strengthen coordination and cooperation in international affairs, jointly uphold the authority of the UN, and work for a more just and equitable global governance system.

China denounces Israel’s recognition of Somaliland

China has officially declared that it firmly opposes Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland as an “independent sovereign state” and its agreement to establish “diplomatic relations” with it.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian announced this at a regular press conference in Beijing on December 29, 2025, stating that China firmly supports Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and opposes any moves that undermine them.

China has noted that the federal government of Somalia immediately issued a statement firmly rejecting the move, and regional organisations including the African Union, the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development have also expressed strong dissatisfaction and condemnation, Lin said.

He added that the Somaliland issue is entirely an internal affair of Somalia and should be resolved by the Somali people in a manner consistent with their national conditions and constitution. He also highlighted that countries outside the region should cease inappropriate interference and no country should incite or support separatist forces within another nation for its own selfish interests.

“We urge the Somaliland authorities to recognise the situation and immediately cease separatist activities and collusion with external forces.”

China has consistently supported Somalia in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Later, on December 29, the United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting in New York to discuss the situation at the request of Somalia, Algeria, Sierra Leone, and Guyana.

Addressing the session, Chinese Ambassador Sun Lei began by stating that China fully supported the four countries’ request, adding that Israel’s action had, “further increased the tensions in the Horn of Africa, drawing immediate and strong criticism and condemnations from regional organisations, including the AU [African Union], the Arab League, the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council], the OIC [Organisation of Islamic Cooperation], and IGAD [Intergovernmental Authority on Development], as well as many regional countries. China also expresses grave concerns over this move and firmly opposes it.”

He went on to say that: “Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is a fundamental principle of the UN Charter and an unshakable cornerstone of international law and international relations, which all UN member states must strictly observe. Somaliland is an integral part of Somali territory. China firmly supports Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and opposes any act to split its territory. China has always maintained that the Somaliland issue is entirely Somalia’s internal affair. It should be resolved by the Somali people in a way consistent with the national conditions and the constitution… We urge the Somaliland authorities to grasp the situation, immediately stop separatist activities and collusion with external forces, and return to the track of dialogue with the federal government of Somalia as soon as possible to avoid further threatening regional peace and stability and opening the door to more tensions and conflicts.”