Guyana has formally raised the issue of its territorial integrity with China, as tensions continue to simmer over the longstanding border controversy with Venezuela. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali reaffirmed the country’s unwavering stance on sovereignty during a recent event marking 53 years of diplomatic relations between Guyana and China.

In his address, President Ali highlighted the importance of safeguarding Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing the expectation that China, as a global power and key development partner, will play a constructive role in ensuring peace and respect for international law in the region. He underscored that discussions with China’s new Ambassador to Guyana, Yang Yang, included the need for China to support the maintenance of peace and the rule of law, particularly as Venezuela continues to assert claims over the Essequibo region.

The issue gained renewed urgency after China’s Chargé d’Affaires in Georgetown, Huang Rui, suggested that Guyana and Venezuela resolve their border dispute through “friendly consultations and negotiations.” This statement was swiftly rejected by Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which reiterated that the matter is currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and should not be subject to bilateral negotiations outside of the court’s jurisdiction. The Ministry also expressed disappointment at China’s silence regarding Venezuela’s plans to hold elections in the disputed Essequibo region, a move Guyana views as a clear violation of its sovereignty.

Guyana’s government has made it clear that it will not engage in any discussions that could undermine the authority of the ICJ, citing the Argyle Declaration of December 2023, which commits to resolving the border controversy through established international legal processes. Officials have also called on China to be principled in its support for Guyana’s territorial integrity and to avoid appeasing actions that violate international law.

As the border dispute remains unresolved and Venezuela continues to escalate its claims, Guyana’s leadership is pressing its international partners—including China—to respect its sovereignty and support a peaceful, lawful resolution. The government maintains that principles of international law and mutual respect will continue to guide its foreign policy and diplomatic engagements.