China Condemns US Military Deployment Near Venezuela, Warns Against Interference

China on Monday strongly criticized the deployment of US naval forces near Venezuela, warning that Washington’s actions “seriously undermine” regional peace and violate international law. Beijing urged the United States to refrain from interfering in Venezuela’s internal affairs and to respect the sovereignty and security of Latin American nations.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing that the US had deployed Navy destroyers USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Sampson near Venezuela’s coast in late August, under what Washington called counter-narcotics operations. He said these actions, including sinking ships and holding Venezuelan fishing vessels, had “caused tensions in the regional situation.” Venezuela responded by mobilizing 4.5 million militiamen, with President Nicolas Maduro pledging readiness to repel any attack. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez also accused the US of carrying out intelligence flights in the Caribbean near Venezuelan territory.

The situation further escalated after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that American forces were prepared for a “regime change operation” in Venezuela. Lin stressed that China opposes the unilateral use of force and any attempt by foreign powers to interfere in Venezuela under any pretext. He called on the US to avoid undermining navigation security and regional peace, adding that China remains committed to international cooperation in fighting transnational crime but rejects actions that destabilize sovereign states.