Growing global tension between major world powers has intensified following the dramatic capture of Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, by U.S. forces. The incident has now drawn sharp criticism from China, raising fresh concerns about international law and sovereignty.
China has strongly condemned the United States over its military action in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, calling for his immediate release and warning that the move violates international law.
In a statement issued on Sunday, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Washington’s actions crossed red lines in global diplomacy and threatened the foundations of international order. The remarks followed reports that the United States carried out overnight military strikes on Caracas on Saturday, during which President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were seized and flown out of the country. They were later detained in New York.
Reacting to the development, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson urged the United States to guarantee the safety of the Venezuelan leader and his wife and to release them without delay. Beijing also accused Washington of attempting to forcibly change Venezuela’s government under the guise of military intervention.
“The US move is a clear violation of international law, the basic norms governing international relations, and the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter,” the spokesperson said. China called on the US to abandon efforts to overthrow the Venezuelan government and instead resolve differences through dialogue and negotiation.
The Chinese government further criticised comments made by US President Donald Trump following the operation. Trump had said the United States would “run” Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” is achieved, a statement Beijing described as troubling and destabilising.
In a separate statement, China reiterated its demand for the immediate release of Maduro and Flores, stressing that no country has the right to use force to interfere in the internal affairs of another sovereign state. The foreign ministry described the strike on Caracas as unlawful and warned that such actions could set a dangerous precedent globally.
China reaffirmed its long-standing position in support of Venezuela’s sovereignty and independence, insisting that the country’s political future should be determined solely by its people, free from external pressure or military intervention.
The situation has continued to draw international attention, with several countries closely monitoring developments as concerns grow over the wider implications for global stability and international law.
