Beijing – On January 4, 2026, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strongly worded statement urging the United States to "stop toppling" the Venezuelan government and calling for the immediate release of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. This marks Beijing's second official response since the dramatic U.S. military operation on January 3 that resulted in Maduro's capture.
A Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated: “China expresses grave concern over the U.S. forcibly seizing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and taking them out of the country.” The spokesperson described the U.S. actions as “in clear violation of international law, basic norms in international relations, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.” The statement further demanded that Washington “ensure the personal safety of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, release them at once, stop toppling the government of Venezuela, and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation.”
This follows an initial Chinese condemnation on January 3, where Beijing expressed being "deeply shocked" by the U.S. strikes and capture, labeling them "hegemonic acts" and a "blatant use of force" against a sovereign state. China reiterated its call for the U.S. to abide by the UN Charter and respect Venezuela's sovereignty.
The escalation stems from a pre-dawn U.S. operation on January 3, involving airstrikes on military and civilian targets in Caracas and other areas, followed by a raid that captured Maduro and Flores. President Donald Trump confirmed the "large-scale strike" and the couple's extraction, stating they were flown out of Venezuela aboard the USS Iwo Jima before arriving in New York to face federal charges, including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.
Maduro and Flores landed at Stewart Air National Guard Base in New York on January 3 evening, with an arraignment expected early the following week in the Southern District of New York. A superseding indictment unsealed by U.S. authorities adds weapons-related counts to prior 2020 charges accusing Maduro of leading the "Cartel de los Soles" and flooding the U.S. with cocaine.
Trump, speaking from Mar-a-Lago, announced U.S. intentions to temporarily "run the country" during a transition, emphasizing American oil companies' role in revitalizing Venezuela's degraded infrastructure. Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves, but production has collapsed under sanctions and mismanagement.
Venezuela's government declared a national emergency, accusing the U.S. of attacking installations across multiple states and vowing resistance. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez denounced the operation as "imperialist aggression," while the supreme court ordered her to assume acting presidential duties.
The operation, dubbed "Operation Absolute Resolve" by U.S. officials, involved elite Delta Force units, extensive airstrikes to neutralize defenses, and cyber elements to disrupt power in Caracas. No U.S. casualties were reported, though Venezuelan sources claim dozens killed, including civilians.
China's stance reflects its deep ties with Venezuela: Beijing is Caracas' largest creditor and top oil buyer, providing billions in loans-for-oil deals. Maduro met a high-level Chinese envoy just hours before the raid, underscoring ongoing diplomatic support. Analysts view China's repeated statements as a defense of sovereignty principles, contrasting with U.S. actions amid broader geopolitical tensions.
Global reactions remain divided. Allies like Russia, Iran, Cuba, Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia condemned the intervention as illegal aggression. The UN Secretary-General expressed alarm, calling it a "dangerous precedent." The EU and France urged respect for international law, while some opposition figures and Venezuelan exiles celebrated Maduro's removal.
Domestically, U.S. Republicans praised the operation as a blow against drug trafficking, while Democrats questioned congressional authorization and risks of entanglement. Oil markets saw limited volatility, with analysts noting restoration efforts could take years.
As Maduro awaits trial in New York—evoking comparisons to the 1989 Panama invasion—the crisis tests international norms. China joins calls for dialogue, warning of threats to regional stability. The UN Security Council is scheduled to convene urgently, requested by several nations.
Trump has signaled no immediate further actions but warned of readiness if needed. Venezuela's future governance remains uncertain, with Rodríguez asserting continuity amid U.S. transition plans.
