UN, EU, supreme organ of Caribbean Community condemn US military operation in Venezuela

The United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the supreme organ of the Caribbean Community, have joined the forces to condemn the U.S. military operation in Venezuela and its capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on Saturday,terming the move as a serious breach of international law and a threat to regional stability.

The U.S. move came amid six months of threats and pressure tactics and the escalating tensions between the two countries.

In his response, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement on Saturday that he is deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, culminating with the U.S. military action in the country on Saturday, which has potential worrying implications for the region.

"Independently of the situation in Venezuela, these developments constitute a dangerous precedent," said the statement issued by UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

"The secretary-general continues to emphasize the importance of full respect -- by all -- of international law, including the UN Charter. He's deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected," the statement said.

The secretary-general calls on all actors in Venezuela to engage in inclusive dialogue, in full respect of human rights and the rule of law, it added.

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Saturday that the EU is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela.

The EU stands with the Venezuelan people and supports a peaceful and democratic transition, and any solution must respect international law and the UN Charter, she noted.

Also on Saturday, the European Parliament made strong criticism of the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, noting that such actions seriously violate international law, further destabilize the region, and undermine the West's own credibility.

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, chair of the Committee on Security and Defense of the European Parliament, said on Saturday that the U.S. President Donald Trump's administration was "blatantly trampling on international law."

She emphasized that legitimizing the U.S. approach would "completely destroy any credibility the West has left."

She also called on Europe to accelerate the development of a common foreign policy and a robust security policy.

Furthermore, CARICOM on Saturday convened an emergency meeting regarding the U.S. military action against Venezuela.

In a statement posted on social media, the organization said that CARICOM is closely monitoring the developments in the regional situation.

The unfolding events have raised serious concern across the region and could have implications for neighboring countries, the statement said.

CARICOM will continue to obtain the latest information and keep people in the region informed of further developments, it added.

UN, EU, supreme organ of Caribbean Community condemn US military operation in Venezuela

UN, EU, supreme organ of Caribbean Community condemn US military operation in Venezuela

During the New Year holiday running from Jan 1 to 3, major commercial districts across China all saw a surge in both consumer traffic and sales in consumption, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

The latest big data released by the Ministry of Commerce indicate that the average daily customer traffic at 78 key pedestrian streets and commercial districts nationwide rose by 5.9 percent compared with the New Year holiday season in 2025, while total sales increased by 4.9 percent.

In Wuhan City, central China's Hubei Province, the city's first park-style super commercial complex was bustling with visitors during the three-day holiday season.

On New Year's Day alone, the customer traffic at the complex exceeded 120,000 visits.

The newly opened business district features a wide range of immersive experiencing activities, including live band performances and interactive activities with small animals, while emphasizing friendly services.

These include facilities designed for families with infants, pet-friendly spaces, and dedicated cycling-friendly areas inside shops where cyclists can inflate tires and lubricate their bicycles.

In Beijing's Wukesong commercial district, a combination of trendy cross-industry collaboration and technology-driven innovation created fresh experiences for consumers during the holiday.

New Year countdown concerts and robot performances inside shopping malls added excitement for consumers.

Meanwhile, the Chunxi Road commercial district, Chengdu City of southwest China's Sichuan Province, panda-themed events attracted large crowds of shoppers.

Both residents and tourists flocked to the commercial district to take photos and purchase Sichuan-style specialty gifts.

"During the New Year holiday at our Chunxi Road store, foot traffic reached about one to two times the usual level. Around 1,500 visitors came to our store every day, and our turnover increased by about 60 percent. The other two stores we operate in the Chunxi Road commercial district also saw remarkble growth in both customer traffic and sales," said Ye Mingqian, manager of the Chunxi Road store of Panda Pastry Co.

In Shenzhen City, south China's Guangdong Province, the Pink Street commercial complex officially opened during the New Year holiday.

The new street brings together nearly 40 first stores and flagship stores, featuring intangible cultural heritage experiencing activities, creative dining, and avant-garde lifestyle brands.

"Our brand offers very distinctive cultural and creative products from Peru. By opening our store here in the Shenzhen Bay area, we hope to bring local residents more products that are fresh and more interesting," said a store owner named Ma Yuxia.

Key business districts see growth in customer traffic, sales during New Year holiday