China has issued a stern rebuke to the United States, demanding the immediate release of embattled Venezuelan President, Nicolás Maduro and his wife following what it described as their “forcible seizure” by American forces.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Sunday expressed grave concern over the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, describing it as a violation of international law, diplomatic norms, and the United Nations Charter.
In a statement made available to international media, the Chinese government condemned what it called Washington’s hegemonic actions and unilateral use of military power.
“This action constitutes a clear breach of international law and the basic principles of international relations,” the Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated.
China called for the safety and immediate release of the detained Venezuelan leaders and warned against any attempts to alter legitimate governments forcibly.
This marks the second time in two days that Beijing has publicly criticised the United States over the crisis in Venezuela. On Saturday, China had already denounced the U.S. for its blatant use of force and hegemonic acts, reinforcing its position on respecting state sovereignty and multilateralism.
Tensions flared after former U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed a large-scale military operation that reportedly led to the capture and removal of President Maduro and his wife. The Venezuelan government declared a national emergency, accusing the U.S. of coordinated strikes across multiple states.
The intervention followed longstanding accusations from Washington that Maduro was involved in narcotics trafficking—claims he has consistently denied while also expressing willingness to engage in dialogue.
China’s latest statements align with broader international calls for diplomacy over force, echoing similar positions from countries like Türkiye. Beijing reiterated that global conflicts should be resolved through peaceful negotiation, not military aggression.
The unfolding developments add a significant geopolitical dimension to the Venezuela crisis, with China challenging U.S. actions on the global stage and reaffirming its support for non-interventionist principles.
“The sovereignty and independence of all nations must be respected,” Beijing emphasised, warning that any deviation from international law risks global instability.