Beijing, January 16, 2026 – Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday urged the international community to embrace “global solidarity and cooperation,” warning against division, confrontation, and zero-sum approaches in a world facing unprecedented turbulence. The remarks were made during a formal ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where Xi received the credentials of 18 new foreign ambassadors accredited to China, according to state-run Xinhua News Agency.
Xi described the current global landscape as one undergoing “accelerating changes on a scale rarely seen in a century,” with transformation, turbulence, and prominent challenges defining the era. “Division, confrontation and zero-sum games have no future, and returning the world to the law of the jungle is not what people want to see,” he stated, emphasizing the need for countries to rise above estrangement, foster mutual respect, and pursue common development.
The comments come at a critical juncture in international relations, as the world grapples with escalating tensions involving the United States, Iran, and recent dramatic developments in Venezuela. Xi’s address, while not naming specific countries, aligns with Beijing’s consistent advocacy for multilateralism, sovereignty, and non-interference—principles repeatedly highlighted in response to recent events.
Tensions with Iran and US Threats
Xi’s statement follows days of heightened rhetoric between the United States and Iran amid widespread anti-government protests in the Islamic Republic. Protests, which erupted in early January 2026 over economic hardships, governance issues, and human rights concerns, have reportedly slowed in recent days after a brutal crackdown by Iranian security forces. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimates that more than 2,600 people have been killed, including protesters and security personnel, though Iranian authorities have not released official figures on casualties or detainees.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened military action, describing the US as “locked and loaded” to support Iranian protesters if killings continued. On Wednesday, January 14, Trump softened his stance, announcing he had received assurances from “very important sources” that lethal force against demonstrators had halted and that planned executions would not proceed. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Thursday that 800 scheduled executions had been halted, with the administration “closely monitoring” the situation while keeping “all options on the table.”
Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have accused the US and Israel of backing “riots” and “terrorism,” denying plans for mass executions and urging diplomacy over confrontation. At the United Nations Security Council on Thursday, January 15, China’s Chargé d’Affaires Sun Lei reiterated Beijing’s support for Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. “China consistently advocates adherence to the purposes of the UN Charter and international law, opposes the use or threat of force in international relations,” Sun stated during an emergency debate on the Middle East situation. He called on all parties to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation in an already volatile region.
Venezuela Crisis and US Military Operation
Xi’s call for cooperation also echoes China’s strong condemnation of the United States’ January 3, 2026, military operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The raid, dubbed Operation Absolute Resolve by US officials, involved airstrikes on infrastructure and a ground assault on Maduro’s residence in Caracas. Trump announced the action, describing Maduro as an indicted “narcoterrorist” and stating the US would “run” the country temporarily to facilitate a transition.
Maduro and Flores were flown to New York, where they pleaded not guilty on January 5 to federal charges related to drug trafficking and narcoterrorism in a Manhattan court. Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assumed interim leadership, denouncing the operation as a “kidnapping” and violation of sovereignty. The move has drawn widespread international criticism, with China, Russia, Iran, Brazil, Mexico, and others labeling it unlawful aggression.
China’s Foreign Ministry has repeatedly demanded Maduro’s immediate release, emphasizing respect for sovereignty. In UN Security Council discussions on January 5, Sun Lei warned that such actions set dangerous precedents and violate international law. Beijing has described the US operation as part of a pattern of unilateralism, contrasting it with calls for dialogue and coordination among Global South nations.
The Venezuela incident has tested China’s growing security engagements in Latin America, where it has promoted the Global Security Initiative and built “all-weather” ties with Caracas. Analysts note that Beijing’s response has remained largely rhetorical, focusing on diplomatic statements rather than direct intervention, highlighting limits to its security commitments abroad.
Broader Implications for Global Order
Xi’s remarks underscore China’s push for a multipolar world order based on the UN Charter, opposing what it views as hegemonic actions. The timing, amid US-led developments in Venezuela and threats toward Iran, positions Beijing as a vocal defender of sovereignty for sanctioned or pressured nations.
As global flashpoints intensify—from Middle East instability to Latin American regime change—the Chinese leader’s emphasis on solidarity reflects efforts to rally support for a rules-based system that counters perceived Western dominance.
The ceremony with the 18 new ambassadors, representing diverse nations, symbolizes China’s expanding diplomatic network and commitment to multilateral engagement even amid geopolitical strains.
