China warns the US against taking action against Venezuela.
From Xinhua, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning criticized the new US sanctions against Venezuela at a press conference on Friday, urging Washington to lift these “illegal and unilateral” measures and make more efforts to promote peace, stability, and development in the Latin American and Caribbean region.
He said: China opposes unilateral sanctions that violate international law and are imposed without the authorization of the Security Council, and any foreign interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs under any pretext.
The Chinese official added: “Beijing calls on all parties to respect Venezuela’s sovereignty and avoid provocative actions.”
On November 24, the United States designated the Cartel de los Soles, an alleged group, as a foreign terrorist organization and imposed sanctions on it; a group that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and many senior officials in the country lead. Venezuela has called the existence of such a cartel a “ridiculous lie” and a pretext for illegal interference in its internal affairs.
The United States has increased its military presence on Venezuela’s borders in recent months under the pretext of fighting drugs.