China on Tuesday rebuked former U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns over his comments on Beijing’s stance regarding Iran and Venezuela, saying his remarks mischaracterize China’s position and intentions.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular press briefing that China has taken note of Burns’s comments and reiterated that “the facts and merits in terms of the situation concerning Iran and Venezuela are very clear, and so is China’s position.” She said Burns ignored the root causes of the issues and “chose to point the finger at China, distorting and smearing China’s fair and objective stance for peace through the lens of U.S. hegemonic thinking,” adding that such remarks are “clearly made with ulterior motives.”
Beijing’s response comes amid ongoing tensions involving Iran and Venezuela, where China has previously criticized unilateral sanctions and use of force against sovereign states, describing such actions as harmful to economic and social order and a threat to global stability.
Mao’s comments underscore China’s insistence that its diplomatic positions on international disputes are rooted in calls for peace, respect for sovereignty and adherence to international law, rather than aligning with any unilateral narratives.