Venezuela`s President Nicolas Maduro waving next to Chinese President Xi Jinping in Moscow on May 8, 2025. (Photo by AFP)

China says its partnership with Venezuela is "sovereign" and not directed at any third party, following reports that Caracas has asked allies for military equipment amid heightened tensions with the United States.

China`s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Tuesday that cooperation between Beijing and Caracas "does not target any third party" and "is not subject to disruption or influence from any third party."

Mao made the remarks at a press briefing after being asked about reports that Venezuela is seeking missiles, drones, and other military equipment from China, Russia, and Iran to deter possible US military aggression.

Referring to the United States` recent military operations in the Caribbean, Mao said China "stands against moves that undermine peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean" and opposes "unilateral and excessive enforcement operations against other countries` vessels."

She said that Beijing "has a clear-cut stance on the US cracking down on so-called drug cartels by force in the Caribbean Sea."

China supports international cooperation to combat cross-border crime, Mao said, adding that law-enforcement must be conducted through "bilateral and multilateral legal frameworks," not unilateral force.

She also warned US against turning Latin America into "a stage for hegemonic power plays."

Washington has stepped up military deployments in the Caribbean under the guise of counter-narcotics mission, sending warships, aircraft, and special-operation forces close to the Venezuelan territory.

While US officials frame the moves as security operations, governments across Latin America warn the buildup resembles preparations for coercive regime-change efforts, citing recent US strikes on boats accused of drug activity and rising rhetoric against the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

US President Donald Trump, however, has played down the prospect of a direct war with Venezuela while threatening that Maduro`s "days are numbered."

Trump has accused the Venezuelan leader of drug trafficking without presenting evidence. Maduro, in turn, says Washington is using narcotics allegations as a pretext to pursue regime change and seize control of Venezuela`s oil wealth.