Beijing: China on Sunday called on the United States to cease its efforts to destabilize the government of Venezuela and demanded the immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed its "grave concern" over what it described as the "forcible seizure" of Maduro and his spouse by US forces, which it claims is a breach of international law and the United Nations Charter.
According to Anadolu Agency, this statement marks China's second condemnation of US actions since President Donald Trump announced the capture and removal of Maduro from Venezuela on Saturday. The Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized the need for Washington to respect international norms and ensure the safety of Maduro and his wife, urging the US to resolve its disputes with Venezuela through dialogue rather than force.
On Saturday, China had already criticized the US for what it termed "hegemonic acts" and the "blatant use of force" against the Venezuelan state and its leadership. Beijing called for adherence to the UN Charter and peaceful negotiations to address the ongoing tensions.
In a related development, the Venezuelan government accused the United States of launching attacks on various civilian and military targets across multiple states, leading to a declaration of a national emergency. President Trump's confirmation of a "large-scale" strike and the subsequent capture of Maduro highlighted the escalating conflict. The US has been applying pressure on Maduro, accusing him of drug trafficking-a charge he denies while expressing willingness for discussions with Washington.