China has called on the United States to immediately lift its unilateral sanctions on Venezuela, describing them as illegal and unjustified under international law. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that these sanctions have no approval from the United Nations Security Council and should not interfere in Venezuela’s internal affairs under any pretext.
Mao emphasized that unilateral sanctions create unnecessary tensions and instability in Latin America and the Caribbean. China urges the United States to take actions that promote peace, stability, and development in the region rather than intensifying pressure on Venezuela.
Beijing’s statement highlights China’s long-standing opposition to extraterritorial sanctions and foreign interference. China consistently stresses that attempts to influence Venezuela’s domestic governance threaten its sovereignty and risk escalating regional conflicts.
The Chinese government also criticized recent U.S. measures as potentially destabilizing, noting that such actions undermine diplomatic efforts and regional cooperation. According to China, respecting international law and the independence of nations is essential to maintaining peace in the Western Hemisphere.
U.S. Measures Against Venezuela and Military Escalation
The call from China follows a series of aggressive U.S. measures targeting Venezuela. Earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump officially designated the Cartel of the Suns, a group reportedly made up of Venezuelan military officials allegedly involved in drug trafficking, as a foreign terrorist organization.
Although U.S. authorities have referred to the cartel since the 1990s, formal investigations were not launched until 2020 during Trump’s first term. Analysts have pointed out that the timing of the designation coincides with broader U.S. efforts to increase pressure on Venezuela, including intensified sanctions and heightened military activity in the Caribbean.
The U.S. claims its Caribbean military presence, described as the largest deployment in the region since 1989, aims to combat international drug trafficking. However, Venezuelan authorities have strongly rejected this explanation, arguing that the military buildup is intended to destabilize the government of President Nicolás Maduro and facilitate regime change rather than address drugs.
Venezuelan officials have dismissed the Cartel of the Suns designation as politically motivated, stating that it serves Washington’s broader agenda of undermining Venezuela’s sovereignty. They insist the U.S. strategy is about control and influence, rather than targeting criminal activity.
China Warns Against Regional Instability
China’s comments come amid growing concerns that U.S. actions in Latin America and the Caribbean could increase tensions and undermine peace. Mao Ning stressed that international law and state sovereignty must be respected and that external interference in Venezuela’s affairs serves no one’s interests.
Beijing’s position reinforces its broader policy of opposing any foreign interventions designed to influence governments in the Global South. China has repeatedly criticized U.S. policies toward Venezuela, arguing that unilateral sanctions, covert designations, and military maneuvers exacerbate instability.
The situation highlights the ongoing friction between the U.S. and China over influence in Latin America. While Washington continues its campaign of sanctions and military pressure, Beijing stands firmly against such measures, advocating for respect for sovereignty and regional stability.
China’s renewed call for the U.S. to end unilateral sanctions and stop military escalation reflects its commitment to defending Venezuela’s autonomy and emphasizes the broader international debate over intervention versus respecting national independence.