Beijing has strongly condemned the United States for its recent military strikes in Venezuela and the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro, calling on Washington to immediately release Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Chinese officials labeled the US operation a “clear violation of international law” and urged America to “stop toppling the government of Venezuela.”

China Prioritizes Maduro’s Safety

In statements released Sunday, China emphasized that the safety and security of Maduro and his family must be a priority in line with international law. The announcement followed US President Donald Trump’s declaration that Washington had taken Maduro and Flores out of Venezuela and flown them abroad.

This marked China’s second public statement on the crisis since Saturday, with Beijing decrying what it called “hegemonic acts” and “blatant use of force” against the Venezuelan government. Officials urged the US to comply with the United Nations charter and respect Venezuela’s sovereignty.

China’s Strategic Interests in Venezuela

China maintains significant economic and strategic ties with Venezuela, primarily through energy imports. While Venezuela accounts for 4-5% of China’s total oil imports, its role is growing alongside other trade and investment ventures across Latin America.

Andy Mok, senior research fellow at the Center for China and Globalisation, told Al Jazeera that a Chinese delegation met Venezuelan officials just hours before the US strikes, and Beijing was closely monitoring developments. Mok noted that while China was not surprised by the US action, the method and scale of the operation could indicate Washington’s long-term strategy in the region.

China has long sought to maintain influence in Latin America as part of its Global South strategy, and analysts warn that renewed US interventionism could heighten tensions with Beijing.

China Likely to Limit Response to Diplomatic Measures

According to China-based analyst Shaun Rein, Beijing is constrained in its ability to respond militarily or economically to the crisis.

“China has issued a very strong condemnation of the United States, and they’re working with other Latin American and Caribbean countries to say this isn’t right,” Rein explained.

Rein noted that China lacks overseas military reach comparable to the US, with only two foreign bases versus America’s 800. Consequently, China’s response will likely be diplomatic rather than military, focusing on protest statements and strategic messaging rather than sanctions or armed intervention.

Global Reaction Divided

The US military intervention in Venezuela has sparked international controversy, with responses varying across the political spectrum:

• Left-leaning Latin American leaders in Brazil, Colombia, Chile, and Mexico denounced Maduro’s ouster.
• Right-wing governments in Argentina and Ecuador largely welcomed the intervention.
• North Korea condemned the strikes, calling the US actions a “serious encroachment of sovereignty.”
• South Korea urged all parties to de-escalate tensions and restore democracy and the will of the Venezuelan people.
• Australia emphasized the need for a “peaceful, democratic transition” while respecting international law.

China, Russia, and Allies Continue Support for Maduro

Despite international isolation following Venezuela’s contested 2024 election, China and Russia continue to maintain strong economic and strategic partnerships with Maduro’s government. Both countries, along with Iran, oppose US policies in the region and support Venezuela through trade, investment, and political backing.

Analysts suggest that China’s continued engagement reflects a strategic approach prioritizing long-term influence and stability in Latin America, signaling that Beijing will closely monitor US actions while using diplomatic channels to assert its position.