Pakistan Caught Between Venezuela Crisis and U.S. Pressure: Dar’s China Visit Highlights Strategic Dilemma

Beijing, January 5, 2026: Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday in Beijing for the seventh round of strategic talks between Pakistan and China. The meeting, aimed at strengthening regional peace and stability, comes at a sensitive time for Pakistan, overshadowed by the escalating Venezuela crisis and rising tensions with the United States.

During the discussions, Dar emphasized the importance of the Pakistan-China friendship in maintaining regional stability. However, the shadow of Venezuela loomed large, where U.S. military pressure has caused significant unrest. Pakistan, while voicing concern over the fast-changing situation in Venezuela, adopted a cautious approach, urging dialogue and adherence to UN Charter principles, in contrast to China’s more aggressive stance.

China Takes a Hard Line

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticized the U.S. intervention in Venezuela as unilateral and illegitimate, demanding the immediate release of President Nicolás Maduro. Wang reaffirmed China’s opposition to the use of force or imposing one country’s will on another, warning that such actions destabilize the international order. He stressed that no nation has the authority to act as the world’s policeman or international judge.

Pakistan Walks a Fine Line

In comparison, Pakistan has treaded carefully, focusing on the welfare of the Venezuelan people and advocating for resolving disputes through dialogue and international law. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry stated that it is closely monitoring developments and supports peaceful resolution rather than escalating tensions. While Dar praised China as a steadfast friend, Pakistan avoided direct criticism of the U.S., reflecting its delicate diplomatic balancing act.

Analysts note that the Venezuela situation clearly overshadowed the bilateral meeting, illustrating the challenges Pakistan faces in navigating its strategic partnerships with both China and the United States.