Beijing: China on Thursday voiced its opposition to the use of force by the US against Venezuela over drug smuggling. 'We oppose the use or threat of force in international relations and the interference of external forces in Venezuela's internal affairs under any pretext,' Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated during a regular news briefing in Beijing, as per a transcript released by the ministry.

According to Anadolu Agency, Mao Ning's remarks came on the heels of a Wall Street Journal report that President Donald Trump had ordered the deployment of three Navy warships to intercept drug cartels off South America, including areas near Venezuela. 'China opposes any move that violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and a country's sovereignty and security,' Mao emphasized.

She further added that the United States should focus on actions that promote peace and security in the Latin America and Caribbean region. Earlier in the month, Trump had instructed the Pentagon to draft options for utilizing military force against drug cartels in Latin America. Additionally, the US State Department and Justice Department announced a reward of up to $50 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on alleged narcotics charges.