China warns US over military build-up as warships head towards Venezuela
Stance highlights Beijing’s alignment with Caracas as the Trump administration escalates its pressure campaign
As US destroyers closed in on Venezuela’s coast on Thursday, China condemned Washington’s military build-up and warned against foreign interference, backing Nicolas Maduro in a showdown that is drawing in powers far beyond the Caribbean.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that China opposed “any move that violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and a country’s sovereignty and security”.
She added that Beijing rejected “the interference of external forces in Venezuela’s internal affairs under any pretext” and urged the United States to “do more things conducive to peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region”.
Her remarks came as Maduro hosted China’s ambassador in Caracas, Lan Hu, praising what he called “notable advances” in joint projects.
“China is without a doubt the country that leads the world with the concept of human development,” Maduro said in a message on Telegram after the meeting, which was also attended by Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez.
The exchange highlighted Beijing’s alignment with Caracas as the Trump administration escalates its pressure campaign.