The United States' unilateral military action against Venezuela on January 3, 2026, has ignited a global debate about the legality of foreign military interventions. President Donald Trump announced via social media the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife following a large-scale strike, prompting immediate condemnation from Beijing.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated it was "deeply shocked" by what it called a "blatant violation of international law," emphasizing that Venezuela's sovereignty and Latin American regional stability had been compromised. This development raises critical questions about the interpretation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against sovereign states without Security Council authorization or clear self-defense justification.
Legal experts highlight that Washington's justification of "anti-drug operations" lacks publicly verifiable evidence of direct involvement by Maduro in international drug networks. A recent CBS News poll showed 70% of Americans oppose military action against Venezuela, with only 13% considering it a major security threat.
The operation's timing and rationale have drawn comparisons to historical applications of the Monroe Doctrine, while analysts warn of dangerous precedents for unilateral interventions worldwide. As global institutions grapple with this crisis, the international community awaits responses from regional organizations like CELAC and UNASUR.
