Source NDTV world
BEIJING – China has issued a stern ultimatum to Washington following the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by U.S. forces. In an official statement released Sunday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry demanded that the U.S. release the couple “at once” and condemned the military operation as a “blatant violation of international law.”
The reaction from Beijing comes after a high-stakes U.S. military strike in Caracas on January 3, 2026—codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve—which resulted in the detention of Maduro and his subsequent transfer to U.S. custody.
Key Points of the Statement
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson expressed “grave concern” and “deep shock” over the operation, outlining several core grievances:
Violation of Sovereignty: Beijing described the seizure as a hegemonic act that infringes upon Venezuela’s sovereignty and threatens the peace and security of the Latin American and Caribbean regions.
Safety Concerns: China called on the U.S. to “ensure the personal safety” of both Maduro and Flores while they remain in custody.
Breach of Norms: The ministry asserted that the forced removal of a sitting head of state violates the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and basic norms of international relations.
Call for Dialogue: China urged the U.S. to halt its efforts to “topple the government” and instead resolve the crisis through negotiation and diplomatic channels.
Global Impact and Geopolitical Tension
The capture of Maduro marks a historic escalation in the long-standing confrontation between Washington and Caracas. While President Donald Trump has stated that the U.S. would temporarily manage the country to secure its oil reserves and ensure a democratic transition, Beijing views the move as a dangerous precedent.
Country Official Stance
China Strongly condemns; demands immediate release.
Russia Urges the U.S. to reconsider and release the “legitimately elected president.”
United Kingdom Supports the transition; PM Starmer stated he “shed no tears” for the regime.
India Expressed “deep concern” and is monitoring the situation closely.
What’s Next?
As Maduro and Flores face charges in the U.S. related to narco-terrorism and drug trafficking, Venezuela’s Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez has been named interim President by the Venezuelan Supreme Court. However, with U.S. forces active in the region and major global powers like China and Russia opposing the intervention, the situation remains highly volatile.
