China has voiced strong opposition to the United States’ newly announced Operation Southern Spear, a plan unveiled by U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth aimed at removing what Washington calls “narco-terrorists” from the Western Hemisphere. The initiative comes alongside the U.S. State Department’s decision to designate the Cartel de los Soles, which it claims is “headed by Nicolás Maduro”, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, effective from November 24, 2025. The U.S. has also stated it will not rule out sending American troops into Venezuela, further escalating tensions in the region.
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning issued a clear and firm statement during the regular press briefing. Mao reiterated China’s longstanding position on maintaining regional stability, stating that China firmly supports the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace released by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in 2014.
According to Mao, the proclamation reflects the collective will of countries in the region to safeguard peace, independence, and non-interference.
Mao stressed that China opposes any actions that violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, undermine other countries’ sovereignty and security, or allow external forces to interfere in Venezuela’s internal affairs under any pretext. She emphasized that sovereignty, national security, and territorial integrity must be respected, and warned against unilateral actions that could destabilize the region.
Addressing the U.S. moves specifically, Mao called on Washington to refrain from taking steps that may heighten tensions in Latin America. She urged the United States to choose a path that is conducive to peace and stability across the Latin American and Caribbean region.
China also encouraged the U.S. to handle its concerns about transnational crime and narcotics through normal channels, including bilateral and multilateral law enforcement and judicial cooperation mechanisms. Mao underscored that responsible engagement and established legal frameworks offer the best route to regional stability, rather than military threats or unilateral designations.
With Washington’s threat of potential troop deployment and China’s strong diplomatic pushback, the situation underscores rising geopolitical friction as both major powers engage in Latin America’s political landscape. Regional leaders and international observers are closely watching the developments, concerned that escalating rhetoric could further complicate Venezuela’s already fragile political environment.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly reported statements and is intended for informational and analytical purposes only. It does not represent any political position or endorsement.
