The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today rejected the statement made by China’s Deputy Chief of Mission in Guyana, Huang Rui, where he suggested that Guyana and Venezuela can resolve the border controversy through friendly “consultations and negotiations”.

The rare statement from the Chinese official yesterday departed from Beijing’s longstanding tradition of staying out of the internal affairs of other countries, resulting in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issuing a response today.

In its response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminded the Government of China of the position made clear on several occasions by Guyana that the matter is pending before the International Court of Justice by a decision of the United Nations Secretary General, in accordance with the parties 1966 Geneva agreement on settlement of the controversy.  

The Ministry further stated that the Argyle declaration also guides Guyana’s approach on the issue, explaining that the declaration also recognizes Guyana’s commitment to the process before the ICJ. 

The Ministry said any deviation from that stance will undermine Guyana’s position that the Court is the most suitable place for the controversy to be resolved.

The Foreign Ministry made it clear that Guyana will not engage in discussions of any matter that has been brought before the Court.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has taken note that there has been no comment from the Government of the People’s Republic of China on the blatant announcement by the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela that it intends to conduct election on the 25 May 2025 for the Governor and legislative Council of “Guayana Essequiba State” which is the name Venezuela has given to Guyana’s Essequibo region. This is a clear violation of Guyana’s sovereingity and territorial integrity”.

The Foreign Ministry said the principles of international law and mutual respect will continue to guide the Government of Guyana in its interactions with all members of the International Community.

The Chinese Embassy has indicated that China continues to respect the territorial integrity of all nations.

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