Beijing condemns Washington's use of force as violation of international law and UN Charter
China has issued a fierce condemnation of the United States' military intervention in Venezuela, calling the operation a dangerous violation of international law that threatens global stability and sets a perilous precedent for international relations.
In a sharply-worded editorial published Saturday by China Daily, Beijing expressed being "deeply shocked" by what it termed Washington's "blatant use of force," which included airstrikes on civilian and military targets across at least four Venezuelan states and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
"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 editorial stated.
'Counter-Narcotics' Justification Rejected
The editorial took direct aim at Washington's stated rationale for the military operation, dismissing the "counter-narcotics" justification as wholly insufficient grounds for armed intervention.
"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," the publication argued. "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."
China's state media pointed to remarks by US President Donald Trump, who announced that Maduro and his wife were "captured and flown out of the Country" and declared that the US would "run" Venezuela on "a temporary basis" to "get the oil flowing."
"Making clear the motivation for the US aggression," the editorial noted, characterizing the intervention as resource-driven imperialism.
International Condemnation Mounts
The editorial highlighted growing international opposition to what Washington has dubbed "Operation Absolute Resolve," noting that UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed "grave concern" at the disregard for international law, while Russia declared itself "extremely alarmed" by the "act of armed aggression."
"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," the editorial observed.
Warning of Historical Consequences
Drawing on historical precedent, China warned that military interventions aimed at regime change have consistently produced catastrophic outcomes.
"External military interventions that seek regime change have repeatedly plunged countries into prolonged instability, humanitarian suffering and regional spillover," the editorial stated. "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."
'Moral Authority Destroyed'
In its most pointed criticism, China accused the United States of undermining the entire framework of international law through selective application of rules.
"The US' unjustifiable aggression destroys any moral authority it may have claimed," the editorial declared. "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."
Beijing warned that such actions invite "a world where might makes right — an outcome no country, especially those committed to peace and development, should accept."
Call for Return to Diplomacy
China called on the United States to immediately halt military operations and return to diplomatic channels.
"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 editorial stated.
"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."
The editorial concluded with a stark warning about the fundamental principles at stake: "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."
The US military operation began early Saturday with explosions heard across Caracas. The full extent of casualties and damage remains unclear as the situation continues to develop.
Photo: China Daily