China rebukes former US envoy’s remarks on Iran, Venezuela

BEIJING, April 07 (YPA) – China’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday criticized remarks by former US ambassador to China Nicholas Burns regarding China’s stance on Iran and Venezuela.

According to the state-run Xinhua News Agency, the ministry’s spokesperson Mao Ning said during a regular press briefing that China had “taken note” of the comments.

She stressed that “the facts surrounding the situations in Iran and Venezuela are clear, as is China’s position,” reaffirming Beijing’s stance on the issues.

Mao Ning accused the former US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns of ignoring the root causes of the crises and unfairly directing criticism toward China, saying he had “distorted China’s just and objective position that calls for peace” from what she described as a U.S. hegemonic perspective.

The spokesperson further charged that the remarks were an attempt to sow discord between China and the countries concerned, adding that they were made with “ulterior motives.”

Nicholas Burns had previously criticized China’s approach, describing it as a form of “diplomatic betrayal” toward Iran and Venezuela, and claiming Beijing prioritized protecting its economic interests in the Gulf region.

AA