• China calls on Washington to immediately release President Nicolás Maduro and his wife following Saturday's military operation
  • Beijing slams what it describes as hegemonic acts that threaten Latin American stability
  • China maintains $60 billion in oil-backed loans to Venezuela, making it Caracas' largest creditor

BEIJING (TDR) — China issued sharp demands Sunday for the United States to immediately release Nicolás Maduro and halt efforts to topple Venezuela's government, calling Saturday's military strikes and presidential capture a clear violation of international law.

China's Foreign Ministry released a strongly worded statement urging Washington to ensure the personal safety of Maduro and his wife, release them at once, stop subverting the Venezuelan regime, and resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation.

"Such hegemonic acts of the US seriously violate international law and Venezuela's sovereignty, and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region," the ministry spokesperson said.

Beijing's Strategic Stakes in Venezuela

The rebuke comes with significant economic implications for China, which has extended approximately $60 billion in oil-backed loans to Venezuela through state-run banks since 2007, making it the South American nation's largest creditor and biggest oil customer.

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10

MORE NEWS: Levin Pushes Iran Regime Change as MAGA Base Splits

Chinese refiners purchase roughly 76 percent of Venezuela's oil output, with Venezuelan crude accounting for approximately 4 percent of China's total oil imports. Recent data shows China imported around 746,000 barrels per day from Venezuela in November 2025.

"China calls on the US to ensure the personal safety of President Maduro and his wife, release them at once, stop toppling the government of Venezuela."

The timing of the US operation carried particular significance for Beijing. Just hours before Saturday's strike, Maduro met with Qiu Xiaoqi, China's Special Representative on Latin American Affairs, in what became one of the Venezuelan leader's last public meetings before his capture.

Global Condemnation and Regional Fallout

China joined a coalition of leftist nations including Brazil, Russia, Colombia, Mexico and Cuba in condemning the US military action. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi previously told his Venezuelan counterpart Yvan Gil that Beijing opposes "unilateral bullying" and supports countries in safeguarding their sovereignty.

The United Nations expressed deep alarm over the developments, with UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric calling the situation "a dangerous precedent" with potential worrying implications for the region.

North Korea's Foreign Ministry echoed China's position, describing the US strikes as "the most serious form of encroachment of sovereignty" and calling it "another example that clearly confirms once again the rogue and brutal nature of the United States."

Strategic Calculations and Future Implications

Analysts note Beijing faces delicate balancing between protecting its substantial financial investments in Venezuela and maintaining stable relations with Washington, its most important trading partner.

Andy Mok, senior research fellow at the Center for China and Globalisation, told Al Jazeera that China had been closely monitoring developments and was not surprised by the US move, given American strategic and economic interests in the region.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

Do you support the U.S. government increasing restrictions or a potential ban on TikTok over national security concerns?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from The Dupree Report, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

President Donald Trump announced Saturday that the US had captured Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores following what he described as a "large-scale strike" against Venezuela. The operation was carried out without congressional approval, raising questions about its legal basis under international law.

Venezuela's Supreme Court ordered Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume acting presidential powers, citing Maduro's "material and temporary impossibility" to exercise his functions.

Will Beijing's condemnation translate into concrete action to protect its Venezuelan investments, or will pragmatic considerations with Washington prevail?

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10