China has once again called on the United States to lift all unilateral sanctions on Venezuela and abandon any form of aggression against the South American nation. The statement comes amid renewed tension over US military activity in the region and intensified pressure on Caracas.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated on Friday that Beijing “has always opposed unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or authorization from the United Nations Security Council.”

“China opposes any external interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs under any pretext,” Mao said. “We call on the United States to lift its illegal unilateral sanctions and do more to promote peace, stability and development in Latin America and the Caribbean.”

Read more: Petro: Oil is key to US pressure on Venezuela, not drug trade

Beijing urges end to unilateral restrictions

The statement adds to a series of recent diplomatic criticisms from Beijing targeting the US-Venezuela policy, particularly under the Trump administration. China’s position aligns with its broader stance opposing extraterritorial sanctions and regime change efforts, particularly in the Global South.

In recent weeks, China has repeatedly condemned what it described as destabilizing foreign interference in the region and reaffirmed its support for Venezuela’s sovereignty.

US labels Cartel of the Suns a 'terrorist group'

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump officially designated the Cartel of the Suns, a group that US authorities have long claimed consists of Venezuelan military officials allegedly involved in drug trafficking, as a "foreign terrorist organization."

Although US agencies have referred to the cartel since the 1990s, investigations by the Drug Enforcement Administration were not formally launched until 2020 during Trump’s first term.

The timing of the designation raised concerns among analysts, who noted that it coincided with Washington’s broader escalation toward Venezuela, including intensified sanctions and rhetoric aimed at Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Venezuelan authorities have dismissed the allegations about the Cartel of the Suns, stating that the designation is politically motivated and serves Washington’s push for “regime change".

Read more: Amid rising tensions, Maduro touts Venezuela’s defense strength

Trump defends military buildup in the Caribbean

The designation came amid what is now the largest military deployment in the Caribbean since 1989. The Trump administration claims the move is part of a broader operation to combat international drug trafficking in the region.

However, Caracas has accused Washington of using that pretext to justify military pressure aimed at destabilizing the Maduro government.

Venezuelan officials continue to argue that the US deployment is aimed at facilitating Maduro’s removal rather than combating drugs.

“Washington’s actions are not about trafficking,” a government source said. “They are about control, about regime change, and about undermining Venezuelan sovereignty.”

Read more: US to begin targeting Venezuela drug trafficking on land 'very soon'

China warns against undermining regional stability

Beijing has voiced concern that escalating US pressure, whether through sanctions, covert designations, or military maneuvers, risks inflaming tensions in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“We urge all parties to respect international law, the sovereignty of states, and the principles of non-intervention,” Mao concluded. “Undermining peace and stability in the region serves no one’s interest.”