Operation Absolute Resolve really Operation Absolute Lawlessness!

The abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores on Saturday, through the United States' "Operation Absolute Resolve", and their arraignment in New York on Monday on federal charges related to "drug trafficking" and working with gangs designated as "terrorist organizations" mark a dangerous escalation in Washington's long-running campaign against Venezuela. Whatever justifications the US administration trumps up for its acts, there is no disguising their nature: the extraterritorial abduction of a head of state and his spouse using military force.

Such conduct is a flagrant violation of international law that the US claims to uphold. Speaking on Sunday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made clear that China opposes the use of or threat of force to impose one country's will on another. "We never believe that any country can play the role of world policeman, nor do we agree that any country can claim itself to be an international judge," Wang said, adding that the sovereignty and security of all countries should be fully protected by international law.

Beijing's stance was further underlined by a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, who stressed that the US moves are in clear violation of international law, the basic norms of international relations and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

China has called on the US to ensure the personal safety of Maduro and his wife, to release them at once, to cease its attempts to topple the government of Venezuela, and to resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation. These are not abstract diplomatic phrases, but a sober reminder of the red lines of the international order.

These remarks are given additional weight by the hollow ring of the counternarcotics justification the US administration is citing. US oil companies are going to take control of Venezuela's crude oil, according to US media reports, while policy discussions about US exploitation of Venezuela's vast oil reserves are underway in Washington.

While taking questions on the US moves' influence on China-Venezuela cooperation at a news conference on Monday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stressed that bilateral cooperation is between sovereign states and protected by international law and the laws of both countries. Regardless of changes in Venezuela's political situation, China's willingness to deepen practical cooperation in various fields between the two countries will not change, and China's legitimate interests in Venezuela will continue to be protected by law, the spokesperson added.

Likewise, openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation are the defining characteristics of China-Latin America cooperation. Latin American and Caribbean countries have the right to independently choose their development paths and partners.

Spain and several Latin American countries have issued a joint communique condemning the US operation in Venezuela and urging the US administration to heed the voice of the international community.

What the world has witnessed is a worrying signal that the US will do whatever it takes to seize the resources it covets. The White House is seeking to normalize actions that it would denounce as the actions of a dangerous "rogue state" if carried out by any other country. This double standard not only undermines the credibility of US claims to champion a "rules-based order" but also heralds instability, mistrust and future confrontations. No wonder after senior US officials again mentioned the US' longing for Greenland, the Danish government questioned the nature of their alliance.

The international community should be clear-eyed about the implications of the US' lawlessness. Respect for sovereignty, opposition to the use of force and adherence to international law are not optional if the fragile balance on which global peace and security depend is to be maintained.