The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a scathing condemnation on Saturday following the U.S. military’s “large-scale” strikes on Venezuela and the subsequent capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
In a statement posted to social media and shared by state media outlets, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the operation as a “blatant use of force against a sovereign state” and a violation of international norms.
“China is deeply shocked by and strongly condemns the U.S.’s blatant use of force against a sovereign state and action against its president,” the statement read.
“Such hegemonic acts of the U.S. seriously violate international law and Venezuela’s sovereignty, and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region.”
The response comes hours after President Donald Trump confirmed that U.S. forces, including the elite Delta Force, targeted military and civilian infrastructure in Caracas and captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Trump stated that the U.S. would oversee a transition of power in the country, a move Beijing characterized as an affront to the United Nations Charter.
China, a long-term ally of Venezuela and a significant creditor to the Maduro government, urged Washington to “stop violating other countries’ sovereignty and security” and called for the international community to uphold the principles of non-interference.
The Chinese Embassy in Caracas has also issued a safety advisory for its citizens in Venezuela, urging them to stay indoors, strengthen security precautions, and monitor the rapidly evolving situation as explosions and low-flying aircraft continue to be reported across the capital.
The condemnation from Beijing mirrors reactions from other global powers, including Russia and Iran, while the United Nations has expressed deep alarm, warning that the unilateral strike sets a “dangerous precedent” for international relations.
