China opposes US use of force in Caribbean operations

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Tuesday that China opposes the use or threat of force in international relations and hopes the United States will conduct law enforcement and judicial activities within proper bilateral and multilateral legal frameworks.

Mao made the remarks at a regular news briefing in response to media reports that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is reaching out to Russia, China and Iran to enhance its military capabilities and solicit assistance amid a buildup of American forces in the Caribbean.

According to media reports, more than a dozen US strikes on alleged drug traffickers, largely departing from Venezuelan shores, have killed at least 61 people since September.

Mao said China supports strengthening international cooperation to combat transnational crime, but firmly opposes the use or threat of force, actions that undermine peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean, and unilateral "law enforcement" against foreign vessels beyond reasonable and necessary limits.

"We hope the US will carry out normal law enforcement and judicial work through proper bilateral and multilateral legal frameworks," she said.

The spokeswoman added that China's normal exchanges and cooperation with Venezuela are those between two sovereign countries, not directed against any third party, and not subject to interference or influence by any third party.