China condemns US military buildup off Venezuela coast amid tensions

China has spoken out against the recent American military buildup off the coast of Venezuela, denouncing it as foreign interference. The Trump administration’s deployment of naval forces to combat drug cartels has raised concerns in Beijing, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning criticizing the move.

Ning stated, “China opposes any action that violates international principles and a country’s sovereignty. We reject the use of force in international relations and any external interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs.” She urged the United States to take actions that promote peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region.

The deployment includes three Aegis guided-missile destroyers, including the USS Gravely and USS Jason Dunham, along with thousands of Marines. This mission follows President Trump’s Executive Order designating drug cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, highlighting them as a threat to national security.

In response to the military buildup, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced plans to deploy 4.5 million militia members to counter the perceived threats from the U.S. The Trump administration has intensified its efforts to hold Maduro accountable for drug trafficking into the U.S., labeling his regime as a “narco-terror cartel” and offering a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest.

The Justice Department has seized over $700 million in assets linked to Maduro, including two private jets and nine luxury vehicles. Despite facing indictments for narco-terrorism and drug conspiracy charges, Maduro remains in power with the support of the military and backing from Russia, China, and Cuba.

The escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. As both countries navigate these challenges, the international community watches closely to see how the situation unfolds.

*This article was written with contributions from Fox News Digital’s Greg Wehner.