China has sharply criticized the United States over reports that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores are being held in U.S. custody. Beijing has demanded their immediate release and warned Washington against resolving international disputes through force.
On Sunday, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the reported action. The ministry said that removing a sitting president from his own country violates international norms and threatens global stability. China urged the United States to settle disagreements through dialogue and diplomatic channels.
Chinese officials stressed that Venezuela’s internal issues require political solutions. They said military intervention would only worsen tensions in the region.
Reports of U.S. Operation in Venezuela
According to media reports, U.S. military forces conducted an operation in Caracas on the night of January 2. During the operation, American troops allegedly detained President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. The reports claim that U.S. forces later transported them to the United States.
Sources say authorities moved the couple to New York, where they remain in a detention center. U.S. prosecutors reportedly plan to try them in cases linked to drug trafficking and illegal weapons operations.
The Venezuelan government has rejected these claims. Officials in Caracas described the reports as fabricated and accused Washington of spreading misinformation to justify political pressure.
North Korea Condemns U.S. Action
North Korea has also reacted strongly to the reports. Pyongyang described the alleged U.S. operation as “gangster behavior.” The North Korean Foreign Ministry said the incident represented a direct attack on Venezuela’s sovereignty.
In its statement, North Korea accused the United States of ignoring international law. It warned that such actions could endanger the independence of smaller nations around the world.
Background of U.S.–Venezuela Conflict
The United States and Venezuela have faced strained relations for years. Tensions increased after Nicolas Maduro assumed the presidency in 2013 following the death of Hugo Chávez. Since then, Washington has imposed several rounds of economic sanctions on Venezuela.
U.S. officials accuse Maduro’s government of corruption, election manipulation, and human rights abuses. In 2020, the U.S. Justice Department charged Maduro and other senior officials with narco-terrorism. American authorities also offered large rewards for information leading to their arrest.
Venezuela has consistently denied these allegations. The Nicolas Maduro government claims the United States seeks regime change to gain control over the country’s vast oil reserves.
Why China Supports Venezuela
China maintains strong political and economic ties with Venezuela. Beijing has invested billions of dollars in Venezuelan energy and infrastructure projects. Chinese companies also rely on long-term oil supply agreements with Caracas.
Chinese leaders view U.S. pressure on Venezuela as a threat to regional stability. They also see it as part of Washington’s broader effort to expand influence in Latin America. By opposing U.S. actions, China reinforces its long-standing policy against foreign intervention.
Global Concerns and Possible Impact
If confirmed, the detention of a sitting president by a foreign power would mark a major escalation in international relations. Legal experts warn that such an act could weaken established diplomatic norms.
Several countries now call for restraint and transparency. Observers believe the situation could increase tensions between major global powers, including the United States, China, and their allies.
As pressure mounts, the international community continues to watch Washington’s next move closely. The outcome may shape future debates on sovereignty, intervention, and global power balance.
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