Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico, declared on Tuesday that any potential U.S. military intervention on Mexican soil would be futile in curbing violence or drug trafficking. She emphasized her commitment to defending national sovereignty and fostering a bilateral relationship rooted in cooperation rather than subordination.
In her morning press briefing, Sheinbaum addressed repeated statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has suggested deploying troops to combat drug cartels on several occasions.
Sheinbaum firmly stated that such actions would not only breach fundamental principles of international law but would also prove ineffective, as reported by EFE. "Firstly, it's about sovereignty, the defense of national sovereignty. But secondly, it would serve no purpose," she asserted.
The president highlighted Mexico's longstanding policy of non-intervention and peaceful conflict resolution, reminding that all nations, regardless of size or power, are equal on the international stage.
She stressed that the best approach to tackling issues like violence and drug trafficking is through international cooperation for development, respect for human rights, and institutional strengthening, rather than unilateral military actions.
Statement on Venezuela and Maduro's Case
Sheinbaum also addressed the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was detained along with his wife Cilia Flores on January 3 following a U.S. military intervention in Caracas, and subsequently transferred to New York to face drug trafficking charges.
The Mexican leader called for the legal process to be conducted with safeguards. "In this case, with President Maduro already detained, one must demand a fair trial always. That's what should be requested: speed and justice," she expressed.
Nonetheless, she reiterated the Mexican government's opposition to U.S. intervention in Venezuela, regardless of opinions about Maduro's regime. "We condemn the invasion. We must reclaim our history, our Constitution, and what it says about sovereignty and non-intervention," she noted.
Regional Stance
Since Maduro's arrest, Mexico has maintained a critical stance against Washington's military action. Last Sunday, the country signed a joint statement with Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Spain, and Uruguay, expressing their disapproval of "unilateral military actions executed in Venezuelan territory" and voiced concerns over any attempts to externally control natural or strategic resources.
Sheinbaum reiterated that Mexico would defend its sovereignty and that of other nations, continuing to advocate for a foreign policy based on respect, dialogue, and international cooperation.
Understanding Mexico's Sovereign Defense Stance
Why does Sheinbaum oppose U.S. military intervention in Mexico?
Sheinbaum believes that U.S. military intervention would violate international law and be ineffective in addressing violence and drug trafficking. She emphasizes cooperation and respect for sovereignty instead.
What is Mexico's policy towards international conflict resolution?
Mexico adheres to a historic stance of non-intervention and peaceful resolution of disputes, advocating for equality among nations in the international arena.
How did Mexico respond to the U.S. intervention in Venezuela?
Mexico condemned the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, emphasizing the need to respect sovereignty and advocating for a fair trial for Nicolás Maduro.