Now, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has been challenging the United Nations to live up to its own ideals. The growing volatility in Venezuela, home to the world’s largest proven oil reserves, is especially alarming. Her request is a direct reaction to the recent actions taken by the U.S. The U.S. has waged a multifaceted blockade against Venezuela, which heightens the risk of violent provocation.
Today Nicolás Maduro, president of Venezuela, finds himself in the thick of this fight. Today, the U.S. and many allied countries view him as a usurper, an illegitimate leader. They attribute the collapse of Venezuela’s once thriving oil industry to decades of mismanagement and corruption. Against all odds, oil exports continue to be the nation’s main source of revenue. China remains the top buyer, buying about 80% of Venezuelan crude. This is just 4% of China’s total crude imports.
During the same time, the U.S. military has significantly increased its operations in the region. Now they are actively targeting vessels suspected of drug smuggling throughout the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean. This program has sunk at least 26 small boats. Implementation has resulted in the deaths of at least 95 people. The U.S. stole the cargo of a seized Venezuelan tanker that was trying to ship oil to Cuba and Chinese destinations. This move further escalated the precarious relationship between Washington and Caracas.
Given the escalating situation, Sheinbaum has asked for a nonviolent end to the confrontation. She emphasized the role of the United Nations in preventing bloodshed, stating that “The United Nations has been conspicuously absent. It must assume its role to prevent any bloodshed and to always seek the peaceful resolution of conflicts.” She restated Mexico’s long-held opposition to intervention, calling for dialogue and peace in interstate conflicts through peaceful means.
“We call for dialogue and peace to be used in any international dispute, and not intervention. That is our position by conviction and by our constitution.” – Claudia Sheinbaum
China, for its part, has been vocal in its support for Venezuela during this collision course. The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemned the U.S.’s actions as “unilateral bullying.” He further restated Beijing’s pledge to assist countries in protecting their sovereignty.
In addition, the next Chilean president José Antonio Kast, soon after being elected, announced his willingness to join initiatives to remove Maduro from power. He decisively called Maduro’s regime a “dictatorship,” marking a significant development. As great powers start taking sides, the risk of major conflict escalates, underscoring the need for crisis diplomacy.