Beijing, China – January 5, 2026 – China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has sharply criticized the United States for its military intervention in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, emphasizing that no country should act as the "world policeman" or "international judge."
During a meeting in Beijing with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Wang Yi stated that "China always opposes the use or threat of force, as well as any imposition of one country's will on another." He described the current international landscape as "increasingly volatile and complex, with unilateral bullying on the rise," and noted that the "sudden change of situation in Venezuela has drawn high attention from the international community."
Wang further declared, "We never believe that any country can play the role of world policeman, nor do we agree that any country can claim itself to be an international judge," stressing that the sovereignty and security of all countries must be fully respected and protected.
These remarks, reported by Chinese state media Xinhua, come in the wake of a U.S. military operation codenamed "Absolute Resolve" on January 3, 2026. Early that morning, U.S. forces conducted airstrikes on multiple targets in Caracas and other Venezuelan locations, including military installations, before special operations units raided a residence at Fort Tiuna, capturing Maduro and Flores. The couple was subsequently flown to New York, where Maduro faces long-standing U.S. federal charges related to narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, and related conspiracies from a 2020 indictment, with an arraignment scheduled for January 5 or soon after.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the operation, stating that the U.S. had carried out a "large-scale strike" and would temporarily "run" Venezuela to ensure a safe transition and repair its oil infrastructure. The operation involved over 150 aircraft and resulted in reported casualties, including Venezuelan military personnel and civilians, though exact figures vary.
China's Foreign Ministry had earlier issued statements expressing "deep shock" and "strong condemnation" of the U.S. actions as "hegemonic" and a violation of sovereignty, demanding the immediate release of Maduro and his wife while ensuring their safety.
The strikes followed months of escalating U.S. pressure on Maduro's government, including sanctions, a naval buildup, and strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels. Maduro, indicted in the U.S. since 2020 on drug-related charges, had rejected exile offers prior to the raid.
Venezuela declared a national emergency in response, denouncing the operation as aggression and reporting damage to civilian and military sites. Interim leadership has been assumed by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, amid ongoing uncertainty.
Pakistan, in a separate statement, expressed "concern" over the evolving situation, attaching "great importance to the well-being of the people of Venezuela." Islamabad urged restraint, de-escalation, and adherence to the UN Charter and international law, while closely monitoring developments to ensure the safety of its community in Venezuela.
The operation has sparked widespread international reactions, with allies like Russia, Cuba, and several Latin American nations condemning it as a violation of sovereignty, while some U.S. partners expressed support or cautious acknowledgment. The UN Security Council is scheduled to convene an emergency session.
China, a major creditor and oil buyer from Venezuela, has long supported Maduro's government diplomatically. The incident occurred shortly after a Chinese diplomatic visit to Caracas, underscoring strained U.S.-China relations amid broader geopolitical tensions.
Analysts note that the raid—the most significant U.S. direct intervention in Latin America since the 1989 Panama invasion—raises questions about international law, precedents for regime change, and implications for global stability, including potential parallels drawn by Beijing regarding Taiwan or other disputes.
As Maduro remains in U.S. custody in New York, the situation in Venezuela remains fluid, with reports of calm in Caracas but heightened security. The U.S. has emphasized the operation's focus on law enforcement against alleged narco-trafficking, denying broader regime change intent, though Trump's statements suggest interim oversight.
This development marks a dramatic escalation in U.S.-Venezuela relations under the Trump administration, with ripple effects across the hemisphere and beyond.
