Beijing criticizes use of force; Islamabad urges moderation; CPEC and trade ties in focus at 7th Strategic Dialogue
Vice Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi unveil the logo on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China in Beijing. Photo: PPI
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan on Sunday expressed concern over the rapidly evolving situation in Venezuela, urging restraint and reduction of tensions, as Islamabad and Beijing held the seventh round of their Strategic Dialogue in the Chinese capital, which also discussed the unprecedented US attack 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 incursion into Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.
While China took a strong public stance against the use of force, Pakistan issued a carefully calibrated statement later in the day, calling for respect for international law and the principles of the United Nations 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 evolution of the situation” in the South American nation.
Islamabad urged “the need for moderation and reduction of tensions to end the crisis” and stressed “the need to adhere to the principles of the UN Charter as well as international law to resolve all outstanding issues.”
The Foreign Ministry said Pakistan was closely monitoring developments and remained committed to ensuring the safety of members of the Pakistani community in Venezuela.
Earlier in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi sharply criticized 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 during his speech at the strategic dialogue. He noted that the sudden change in the situation in Venezuela had attracted widespread international attention.
“We never believe that any country can play the role of world police, nor do we agree that any country can claim to be an international judge,” he said, adding that the sovereignty and security of all countries must be fully protected by international law.
Wang also warned that the current international environment had become increasingly volatile and intertwined, with what he described as unilateral intimidation becoming more pronounced.
The crisis in Venezuela erupted after US forces carried out a surprise operation that resulted in the arrest of President Maduro, a move that has sparked a global debate about sovereignty, legality and the future of the rules-based international order.
According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 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 and described the friendship between Pakistan and China as vital for peace, stability and prosperity in the region. The two leaders also agreed to improve coordination in bilateral and multilateral forums.
During the visit, Dar and Wang jointly unveiled the logo marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, formally kicking off the year-long celebrations.
Dar also visited a special photo exhibition in Beijing highlighting key milestones in the evolution of bilateral relations, from the initial diplomatic engagement to the launch of the CPEC.
A joint statement of the seventh round of Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, outlining agreed positions and future areas of cooperation, is expected to be issued on Monday.
The dialogue underlined the strategic depth of relations between Pakistan and China at a time of intensifying geopolitical competition and growing challenges to international stability.
