China warns US military buildup near Venezuela threatens regional peace
Speaking at an emergency session of the UN Security Council on Venezuela, China’s Deputy Permanent Representative Sun Lei said: “For some time now, under the pretext of combating drug trafficking, the United States has continued to increase its military deployment in the waters of the Caribbean off the coast of Venezuela.”
Sun added that “the US’s actions and rhetoric have led to continued tensions in the region, raising serious concerns among regional countries and the international community.” He accused the US of violating international norms, stating that its actions “seriously infringe upon other countries' sovereignty, security and legitimate rising interests, gravely violate the UN Charter and international law, and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean.”
He noted growing regional opposition, saying that “more and more countries in the region and beyond have voiced grave concern about and strong condemnation of the US actions.” Sun stressed Venezuela’s right to independently manage its foreign relations: “As an independent sovereign state, Venezuela has the right to independently develop mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries and defend its legitimate rights and interests, which should be respected and supported by the international community.”
Sun said China “opposes all acts of unilateralism and bullying and supports all countries in defending their sovereignty and national dignity,” adding that Beijing is against “the threat or use of force in international relations” and “external interference in Venezuela's internal affairs under any pretext.” He also rejected “illicit unilateral sanctions and long-armed jurisdiction that have no basis in international law or authorization by the Security Council.”
Calling for de-escalation, Sun urged Washington to “immediately halt relevant actions and avoid further escalation of tensions,” while also appealing for the US to “lift illicit unilateral sanctions” and “do more to promote peace, stability and development in Latin America and the Caribbean.”
He emphasized that the region is “an important part of the Global South and are a vital force in maintaining world peace and stability and promoting global development and prosperity.”
The remarks come after US President Donald Trump declared an oil blockade last week, with US forces seizing at least two tankers departing from Venezuela. Trump stated that Washington would be “keeping it” along with its cargo. Venezuela condemned the actions as “international piracy,” while the US argued the measures target corruption and drug trafficking.
Caracas, however, accused Washington of using anti-narcotics efforts as a pretext to remove President Nicolas Maduro and gain control of Venezuelan oil resources.
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