China reaffirmed its commitment to foster stronger ties with Venezuela and other nations in Latin America, countering U.S. President Donald Trump’s insistence that Venezuela sever its relationships with Beijing. During a press briefing on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that Beijing would “continue to strengthen cooperation” with its partners in the region, as reported by the state-run publication Global Times.
Trump has branded his foreign policy approach as a revival of the Monroe Doctrine, which historically sought to establish the Western Hemisphere as an exclusive zone of U.S. influence. This assertion comes in the wake of the U.S. administration’s recent military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, who faces narcoterrorism charges in New York. Such actions reflect a broader strategy to assert U.S. dominance in Latin America.
The White House has warned multiple countries in the region, including Mexico, Colombia, and Cuba, of potential U.S. military actions if they do not align with American interests. Greenland, a Danish territory, is also noted as a focus of U.S. interest under Trump’s administration.
In response to a statement from the U.S. State Department, which claimed “This is OUR Hemisphere, and President Trump will not allow our security to be threatened,” Mao articulated a strong rebuke. She stated that dividing spheres of influence and fostering geopolitical confrontations would not enhance security or lead to global peace, according to Global Times.
Mao further addressed the U.S. demand for Venezuela to cease its partnership with China and redirect its oil exports exclusively to the United States. She asserted that Venezuela “is a sovereign country” with full rights over its natural resources and economic activities. Under an established oil-for-loans arrangement, China has become a significant importer of Venezuelan oil, which has been a crucial aspect of their economic partnership.
Trump has indicated that Venezuela could immediately send between 30 to 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S. However, the Venezuelan government, under the pressure of what Trump describes as an oil blockade, may be restricted from increasing production until it complies with U.S. demands to cut ties with China.
Mao characterized the U.S. strategy as a “brazen use of force” against Venezuela, labeling it as typical bullying that violates international law and infringes upon Venezuela’s sovereignty. She strongly condemned such actions, emphasizing that the legitimate rights and interests of China and other nations in Venezuela must be protected.
As the situation continues to evolve, further updates will be provided.
