The Chinese government has condemned the U.S. military operation in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, labeling the move as a "serious breach of international law and national sovereignty."
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing, China expressed being "deeply shocked" by the American intervention and voiced its "strong opposition to any unilateral military actions" within Latin America.
"These hegemonic acts by the United States seriously violate international law and Venezuela's sovereignty, posing a threat to peace and security in the Latin American and Caribbean region," the ministry declared, as reported by Reuters.
Beijing further urged Washington to "adhere to the principles of the United Nations Charter" and to "immediately cease any violations of other countries' sovereignty and security."
The statement came shortly after President Donald Trump confirmed that U.S. special forces had captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a nighttime operation executed by the Delta Force unit.
China, a major ally of Venezuela over the past two decades, has been a key partner of the Chavez regime through multi-billion dollar oil and credit agreements. Although Beijing has maintained a policy of non-interference, it has repeatedly condemned sanctions and military threats against Caracas.
With this declaration, the Chinese government joins other nations, such as Iran and Cuba, in denouncing the U.S. offensive and warning of the risk of escalating tensions in the region.
Beijing reaffirmed its call for dialogue and regional stability, emphasizing that Latin America should remain a "zone of peace and cooperation."
China's Response to U.S. Actions in Venezuela
Why did China condemn the U.S. military action in Venezuela?
China condemned the U.S. military action in Venezuela because it views it as a violation of international law and a breach of Venezuela's sovereignty. The Chinese government opposes any unilateral military actions in Latin America.
What has China urged the United States to do following the operation in Venezuela?
China has urged the United States to comply with the principles of the United Nations Charter and to immediately halt any actions that violate the sovereignty and security of other nations.
How has China's relationship with Venezuela been characterized in recent years?
China has been a major ally and key partner of Venezuela, engaging in significant oil and credit agreements with the Chavez regime over the past two decades.