China Urges Immediate Release of Venezuelan President Maduro Following US Capture

China's Strong Response

In a statement released on January 4, 2026, the Chinese Foreign Ministry demanded the United States release Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, asserting that their deportation violated international law. The ministry further urged Washington to ensure the safety of the couple and called for the resolution of the ongoing crisis in Venezuela through dialogue and negotiation.

"China calls on the US to ensure the personal safety of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, release them at once, and stop attempting to overthrow the Venezuelan government," the statement read. It described the US operation as a "clear violation of international law."

The US Operation

The couple’s capture occurred on January 3, 2026, in a covert operation that involved US forces entering the Venezuelan capital of Caracas under the cover of darkness. Maduro and Flores were seized from their residence at the Fuerte Tiuna military base, Venezuela's largest military facility. They were then transported aboard the USS Iwo Jima, a US Navy vessel, and subsequently flown to an undisclosed air base in the United States.

The US government has charged Maduro and his wife with involvement in a "narco-terrorism conspiracy" linked to the Venezuelan government’s illicit activities, including drug trafficking. US President Donald Trump described the operation as meticulously planned, with over 150 aircraft involved. He claimed that the operation was carried out in darkness, with the capital's power grid temporarily disabled to aid the mission.

The US operation represents the culmination of a pressure campaign by the Trump administration to oust the Venezuelan leader, who has maintained a firm grip on power despite international criticism and economic collapse in his country.

Global Reactions

The US action has sparked widespread international condemnation. Countries with strong ties to Maduro’s regime, such as Russia, Iran, and China, have voiced their objections, with China calling the operation an unacceptable infringement on Venezuela’s sovereignty.

In addition, the European Union and several Western allies have expressed concern over the sudden escalation of US intervention in Venezuela, underscoring the potential for further destabilisation in the region. Meanwhile, within Venezuela, the high court has appointed Delcy Rodriguez, the former vice president, to assume the role of interim president in Maduro’s absence.

Venezuela's Political Landscape

Maduro has been in power since 2013, following the death of his predecessor, Hugo Chávez. His tenure has been marked by a series of controversial elections, with accusations of voter manipulation and widespread corruption. Under his leadership, Venezuela has struggled with hyperinflation, food shortages, and a mass exodus of citizens fleeing the country’s economic collapse.

The US, along with other Western nations, has long called for Maduro's resignation, recognising opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the legitimate president of Venezuela in 2019. However, Maduro has maintained the support of key international allies, including China, Russia, and Iran, which have provided economic and political backing to his administration.

The Future of Venezuela

The latest developments have left Venezuela in a state of uncertainty. With Maduro's capture, and Rodriguez assuming the role of interim president, the country faces a critical juncture. The appointment of Rodriguez, who has overseen Venezuela’s oil-dependent economy and intelligence services, could signal continuity within the government, though it remains to be seen whether her leadership will be accepted by both domestic and international stakeholders.

Opposition figures, including María Corina Machado, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025 for her efforts to mediate Venezuela’s crisis, are positioning themselves for the next phase of political leadership. However, US President Trump has dismissed her as lacking sufficient support to govern the country, underscoring the continuing polarisation within Venezuela's political landscape.

Context:

The capture of Nicolás Maduro marks a significant escalation in the US’s approach to Venezuela, following years of diplomatic and economic pressure aimed at forcing his resignation. The Trump administration's tactics have raised questions about the use of military force to achieve regime change, drawing comparisons to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. However, this latest operation also highlights the ongoing geopolitical struggle for influence in Latin America, where countries like China, Russia, and Iran continue to support the Venezuelan government.

The US’s actions could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability, as well as for international relations, particularly with countries that oppose US interventionism. In this context, Venezuela’s political future remains uncertain, with both domestic unrest and external pressure shaping the nation’s trajectory.