China Slams US Strike In Venezuela, Demands Immediate Release Of Maduro And Wife

Beijing: Beijing on Sunday sharply criticised the US military strike in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The Chinese Foreign Ministry called the action a breach of international law and warned Washington to free the couple at once.

The ministry said it was “deeply shocked” by the US operation, saying it violated core principles of sovereignty and the United Nations Charter. China urged the US to abandon attempts to overthrow the Venezuelan government and to resolve disputes through dialogue.

"China firmly opposes it. We call on the US to abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and stop violating other countries' sovereignty and security," the statement said.

What Did China Say?

“China expresses grave concern over the US forcibly seizing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and taking them out of the country”, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The Foreign Ministry added that the move clearly violates international law, basic norms in international relations, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

Calling for immediate action, the ministry said, “China calls on the US to ensure the personal safety of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, release them at once, stop toppling the government of Venezuela, and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation."

Why Is China Speaking Out?

China and Venezuela have longstanding economic ties. Beijing has invested heavily in Venezuelan oil and infrastructure over many years. The sudden capture of Maduro, seen as a close political ally, is a major setback for those ties.

The Chinese statement stressed that any effort to topple a sovereign government risks destabilising peace in Latin America and the Caribbean, a region Beijing says should be free from outside interference.

What's Next?

China’s call for the immediate release of Maduro and his wife adds to mounting international concern over the US action. With the UN and several governments urging respect for international norms, the fallout from this strike is likely to shape global diplomacy in the weeks ahead. 

How did Maduro end up captured?

On Saturday, US special forces reportedly attacked Maduro’s compound in a pre-dawn operation. He and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken into custody and flown to New York, where they face federal charges, including drug related offences. The raid was described by US officials as part of an effort to dismantle narco-terror networks they link to Venezuela’s leadership.

The capture has triggered strong reactions around the world. Some nations have condemned the US action as a breach of national sovereignty. Others have praised the operation as a firm stance against drug trafficking and authoritarian rule.

What Trump said after the attack?

Addressing the media after the operation, Trump said that Washington will rule Venezuela “until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition.” 

"We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition. We want peace, justice and liberty for the great people of Venezuela. We can't take a chance if somebody else takes over Venezuela, doesn't have the good of Venezuelan people in mind. We're not going to let that happen," Trump said at a press conference from his Florida mansion on Saturday.