Xi Jinping Appears To Slam U.S. Capture Of Maduro Without Mentioning Operation: 'Unilateral Hegemonic Bullying'

Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared to slam the capture of Nicolas Maduro by the U.S. without specifically mentioning the episode.

Speaking after a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, Xi said "the world today is fraught with turmoil, and unilateral hegemonic bullying is severely impacting the international order."

"All countries should respect the development paths chosen independently by the people of other countries, abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, with major powers taking the lead," he added.

The spokesperson of the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs directly criticized the matter, saying it condemned "the U.S.'s blatant use of force against Venezuela, which seriously violates international law and basic norms in international relations, infringes upon Venezuela's sovereignty, and threatens peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region."

"China calls on parties to respect Venezuela's right to independently choosing development path, and work for stability and the return of order in Venezuela," the publication added.

"China supports the UN Security Council in holding an emergency meeting to discuss the U.S. military strikes on Venezuela and supports the Council in playing its due role according to its mandate. China is ready to work with the international community to firmly defend the UN Charter and the fundamental principles of international justice."

Other global allies of Venezuela condemned the move directly, including Russia and Iran. Moscow called it an "act of armed aggression against Venezuela."

"This is deeply concerning and condemnable," Moscow added in a statement on Saturday. "The pretexts used to justify such actions are unfounded."

Russia also called for the prevention of "further escalation" and backed calls for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

Tehran also condemned the development, saying it was a "flagrant violation of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of" the South American country.