On January 4, 2026, China issued a strong condemnation of the U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas. Beijing’s response, characterized as "deeply shocked," represents a significant escalation in diplomatic tension between the two powers following the January 3, 2026, raid.
China's Official Response
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released statements on January 4 demanding the immediate release of Maduro and his wife. Key points of their response include:
Legal Condemnation: Beijing characterized the U.S. action as "hegemonic behavior" and a "blatant use of force" that violates international law, the UN Charter, and Venezuelan sovereignty.
Demands for Release: China called for Washington to ensure the personal safety of Maduro and Flores and release them "at once".
Regional Warning: The ministry warned that the operation threatens peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Call for Dialogue: Beijing urged the U.S. to stop attempting to "topple" the Venezuelan government and instead resolve issues through negotiation.
Context of the Capture
The Operation: On January 3, 2026, U.S. forces, including Delta Force, conducted a large-scale military strike and extraction mission in Caracas.
Current Status: Maduro and his wife were transported to New York City, where they are being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn to face federal charges related to narco-terrorism.
Political Aftermath: Following the capture, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was appointed interim president by the Supreme Court. President Trump stated that the U.S. would "run" Venezuela during a transition period to "get the oil flowing".
Wider Implications
Analysts suggest that while China is likely to limit its physical response to diplomatic protests rather than military or economic retaliation, it will use the incident to challenge the "rules-based international order" promoted by the U.S.. There are also concerns that the event could embolden China’s own territorial claims in regions like Taiwan, though an immediate invasion is considered unlikely.