China’s Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the U.S. military buildup near Venezuela, accusing Washington of engaging in foreign interference in regional affairs. This stance comes as part of the Trump administration’s strategy to combat drug cartels and exert pressure on the Maduro regime. Chinese officials emphasized that these actions undermine the principles of the UN Charter and jeopardize regional peace and security.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China opposes any use of force or external interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs. The U.S. military deployment includes three Aegis-class destroyers and thousands of Marines, as part of a broader effort to address the drug smuggling crisis. The Trump administration has labeled Maduro’s regime a ‘narco-terror cartel’ and offered a $5,000 million reward for his arrest.
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s President Maduro announced the deployment of 4.5 million militia members in response to the U.S. actions. The situation raises concerns about escalating tensions in the region, with significant implications for international relations and security. The administration has also seized over $700 million in assets tied to Maduro, including two private jets and nine luxury vehicles. These actions are part of a larger narrative of perceived threats to U.S. national security, with the Trump administration citing historic violence and destabilization of economies as justification for its aggressive stance.
Maduro, who faces indictment in New York on narco-terrorism and cocaine importation conspiracy charges, has maintained power with military backing and is alleged to have support from Russia, China, and Cuba. The show of force comes amid ongoing U.S. demands for accountability for drug smuggling and the administration’s designation of Maduro’s regime as a direct threat to national security. This development underscores the complex interplay of regional and international dynamics, highlighting the deepening divide between the U.S. and its neighbors in the Latin America and Caribbean region.