The United States is once again resorting to coercive diplomacy and building military pressure against a sovereign state, using the banner of combating drug trafficking to target Venezuela. Recent developments, including expanded US military deployment in the Caribbean, blockading oil tankers and escalating sanctions and threats, have laid bare a familiar pattern: unilateral actions dressed up as law enforcement, but in reality undermining international law and regional stability.

At the United Nations Security Council, China's deputy permanent representative Sun Lei said Washington's actions go far beyond any legitimate anti-narcotics operation. The sinking of Venezuelan vessels, killing of crew members, seizure of oil tankers, and rhetoric that openly claims another country's land and assets are not law enforcement measures. They are acts of intimidation. By designating the Venezuelan government as a "foreign terrorist organization" and even threatening military strikes, the US has pushed tensions in Latin America and the Caribbean to a dangerous level, alarming countries across the region and the international community.

China's position is consistent and principled. Sovereignty, equality among states, and noninterference in internal affairs are cornerstones of the UN Charter and the international order. The US campaign against Venezuela seriously infringes on these principles, violates international law, and threatens peace and security in the region. Unilateral sanctions, long-arm jurisdiction and the use or threat of force have no legitimacy under international law.

It is telling that the UN secretary-general has called for all parties to honor their obligations under the UN Charter, urging restraint, immediate de-escalation, and the resolving of differences through peaceful means. This appeal underscores a growing international consensus: disputes must be handled through dialogue, not blockades or gunboat diplomacy. Venezuela's decision to raise the issue at the UN reflects its confidence in multilateral mechanisms.

As an independent sovereign state, Venezuela has the right to choose its development path and to engage in mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries. This right does not disappear because of external pressure or geopolitical calculations. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in his phone call with Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister Yvan Gil, reaffirmed that China opposes all forms of unilateral bullying and supports countries in safeguarding their sovereignty and national dignity.

The China-Venezuela relationship itself stands as a counterpoint to coercion and confrontation. Since the two countries elevated ties to an all-weather strategic partnership, cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and people-to-people exchanges has continued to grow, bringing tangible benefits to both peoples. China views its relations with Venezuela from a strategic and long-term perspective, supporting it in safeguarding sovereignty, social stability, and development. Such partnerships being based on mutual respect and equality.

The LAC is a vital part of the Global South and an important force for peace and development. History has shown that external intervention and pressure only sow division and instability, while respect for sovereignty and cooperation foster growth and harmony. More countries in the region and beyond are voicing concern and condemnation over Washington's actions, reflecting a shared desire to uphold international law and resist hegemonic practices.

China urges the US to heed the call of the international community: stop escalating tensions, lift unlawful unilateral sanctions, respect the safety of navigation and the legitimate rights of other countries, and return to dialogue-based solutions. Combating drug trafficking, if pursued sincerely, requires international cooperation and mutual trust, not military threats and economic strangulation.

By standing firmly for multilateralism, the UN-centered international system, and the peaceful settlement of disputes, China will continue to work with Venezuela and other countries in the LAC to safeguard regional peace and stability. In a world facing mounting challenges, abandoning unilateralism and returning to cooperation is the only viable path forward.