China has urged the United States to remove its unilateral sanctions on Venezuela, calling the measures illegal and counterproductive to peace and development in the wider Latin American and Caribbean region. The statement was delivered on Friday by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, who reiterated Beijing’s long-standing position against sanctions that bypass international legal frameworks.
Responding to a question during a regular press briefing, Mao said that China firmly opposes any form of unilateral sanctions that lack authorization from the United Nations Security Council. She emphasised that such actions not only violate international law but also place unnecessary pressure on countries already coping with complex political and economic challenges. According to her, sanctions imposed without a legitimate global mandate represent interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states.
Mao highlighted that Venezuela has continued to face significant difficulties due to the prolonged economic restrictions imposed by Washington. These sanctions, which target the country’s energy, financial and government sectors, have contributed to disruptions in essential services, inflationary pressures and broader economic instability. She noted that these challenges affect millions of ordinary Venezuelans, limiting access to income, medicine and basic goods.
China’s spokesperson stressed that foreign interference has historically intensified tensions rather than helped resolve them. She argued that the Venezuelan people should be allowed to determine their own political direction without outside pressure shaping their decisions. Beijing has consistently supported dialogue and political negotiation among Venezuelan parties as the most constructive path toward national stability and long term development.
Mao also stated that the United States should adopt a more responsible approach toward the region by supporting peace rather than imposing punitive measures. In her view, lifting sanctions would create more favourable conditions for economic recovery, improve humanitarian conditions and help restore normal diplomatic engagement between Venezuela and the international community. This, she added, would also contribute to greater stability across Latin America and the Caribbean, regions that are navigating their own economic and political shifts.
China has maintained close ties with Venezuela for years, particularly in the areas of energy cooperation, infrastructure development and financial assistance. Mao reaffirmed that Beijing will continue to stand with countries that face unilateral pressure, and she underscored China’s broader belief that global issues should be addressed through dialogue, mutual respect and multilateral mechanisms.
She concluded by saying that unilateral sanctions often complicate regional affairs rather than resolve underlying tensions. According to Beijing, constructive engagement and respect for national sovereignty remain central to creating conditions where peace and development can take root. As the situation evolves, China has expressed its readiness to work with the international community to encourage stability and support recovery efforts throughout Latin America.
