In a sharp diplomatic rebuke, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that Beijing cannot accept any nation acting as the "world's judge" following the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by United States forces.
Speaking during a meeting with Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar in Beijing, Wang Yi emphasized that the sovereignty and security of all nations must be protected under international law.
While he did not mention the U.S. by name, his remarks were a direct response to the "sudden developments in Venezuela" that saw images of a blindfolded and handcuffed Maduro circulate globally on Saturday.
Maduro, 63, is currently held in a New York detention center. He is scheduled for a court appearance today (Monday) to face federal drug trafficking charges.
President Donald Trump has asserted that the United States will oversee the Venezuelan government for the time being, a move that directly challenges China’s diplomatic and economic interests in the region.
The capture is viewed as a significant blow to China’s "all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership" with Caracas. China has been an economic lifeline for Venezuela, purchasing $1.6 billion in goods (mostly crude oil) in 2024 despite U.S. sanctions.
Analysts suggest this event tests China's ambition to be a global "diplomatic heavyweight." A Chinese official noted the capture occurred just hours after Maduro met with China’s special representative, Qiu Xiaoqi, undermining Beijing's image as a "dependable friend."
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