On January 5 local time, at an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council held that day, Venezuela’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Samuel Moncada, strongly condemned the United States’ illegal armed actions against Venezuela, which lack any legal basis, noting that such actions constitute a serious violation of the UN Charter and the fundamental principles of international law. Samuel Moncada also stated that the incident in question meets the legal definition of “occupation” under international law, emphasizing that the acquisition of territory or resources through force is unacceptable. The Venezuelan side pointed out that the U.S. actions were driven by resource and geopolitical motives, and that if such behavior were condoned, it would replace law with might and undermine the foundations of the international order. Moncada urged the Security Council to fulfill its duties by unequivocally condemning the use of force against Venezuela, reaffirming the principles of international law, and taking measures to de-escalate the situation. He also emphasized that Venezuela’s state institutions are currently functioning normally, the constitutional order has been upheld, the state exercises effective control over its entire territory, and the government will continue to defend national sovereignty through diplomatic and legal channels. (CCTV)