US military action in Venezuela tramples over international law

China is deeply shocked by and strongly condemns the United States’ blatant use of force against Venezuela, including airstrikes against both civilian and military sites in at least four states of the country and the seizure of the country’s president.

Such hegemonic acts seriously violate international law and Venezuela’s sovereignty, threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region, and set a dangerous precedent for international relations.

The excuse offered by Washington — that of “counter-narcotics” — does not and cannot legitimize the invasion of a capital city, the bombing of sovereign territory, or the removal of a head of state. Such reasoning, if accepted, would grant powerful nations a universal license for military intervention, running directly counter to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.

Triumphantly announcing that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were “captured and flown out of the Country” , US President Donald Trump said that the US would “run” Venezuela on “a temporary basis” to “get the oil flowing”, making clear the motivation for the US aggression.

The United Nations has added its voice to the chorus of condemnation, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressing grave concern at the US’ disregard for international law, saying that the developments are deeply troubling. Russia also said it was “extremely alarmed” by the US’ “act of armed aggression”. These remarks reflect the shared shock and opprobrium of the international community.

The strong responses worldwide, including those of some US allies and partners, to the US’ “Operation Absolute Resolve” in Venezuela underscores a broad recognition that the use of force against a sovereign state is wrong.

History offers sobering lessons. External military interventions that seek regime change have repeatedly plunged countries into prolonged instability, humanitarian suffering and regional spillover. Violence may topple power structures overnight, but it cannot rebuild societies or win the trust of the people. What it does instead is to fracture states, inflame grievances and sow the seeds of enduring conflict.

The US’ unjustifiable aggression destroys any moral authority it may have claimed. International rules apply to all, not only to some. When the strongest choose to disregard the law, the fence of rules is weakened for everyone. Such double standards hollow out international law and invite a world where might makes right — an outcome no country, especially those committed to peace and development, should accept.

China firmly opposes any act that violates another country’s sovereignty and security. It calls on the US to abide by international law and the UN Charter, cease its military adventurism, and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy. The future of Venezuela must be decided by its people, not imposed from outside. Upholding international law is not optional; it is the foundation of global stability.

Power politics cannot be dressed up as legality. Coercion cannot substitute for diplomacy. The core tenets of sovereign equality and non-interference are not negotiable; they are the essential safeguards against global chaos.

Editorial, China Daily