Beijing: China has declared its opposition to any external forces interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs, urging the United States to lift what it terms 'illicit unilateral sanctions' against Caracas. The call from Beijing comes amid heightened tensions and geopolitical maneuvering in the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning articulated Beijing's stance during a news conference held in the Chinese capital. She emphasized that China consistently opposes unilateral sanctions that lack international legal backing and have not been authorized by the UN Security Council. Mao Ning reiterated China's position against "external forces interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs under any pretext," and called on the US to adopt measures that would foster peace, stability, and development across Latin America and the Caribbean.

The comments from China followed recent actions by the United States, which on Monday designated the Venezuela-based Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO). The designation was formally announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a document published in the Federal Register. This move has been met with strong opposition from the Venezuelan government, which dismissed the US action as a "ridiculous" attempt to label a "nonexistent" cartel as a terrorist entity.

Furthermore, the US has been expanding its military presence across Latin America in recent months. This includes deploying Marines, warships, fighter and bomber jets, submarines, and drones, fueling speculation about a possible attack on Venezuela. The US accuses the Latin American country of sending drugs and 'criminals' to its shores, a claim that has exacerbated tensions between the two nations.