In a sharp diplomatic rebuke, China has condemned the United States for what it termed 'unilateral bullying' following the dramatic arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by American forces. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through international relations, prompted Beijing to assert that no single nation can act as the world's policeman.
Beijing's Strong Condemnation at Strategic Dialogue
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi voiced his country's firm opposition while speaking at the Seventh Round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue on Sunday. Wang Yi stated that China consistently opposes the use or threat of force and any imposition of one country's will upon another. He highlighted the increasingly volatile global situation, where acts of unilateral coercion are becoming more severe.
Referring specifically to the arrest of Nicolas Maduro, Wang noted that the sudden change in Venezuela has drawn high attention from the international community. He emphasised a core principle of China's foreign policy: "We never believe that any country can play the role of world policeman, nor do we agree that any country can claim itself to be an international judge," the Foreign Minister declared.
The Arrest and Immediate Aftermath
The geopolitical crisis unfolded on Saturday when US forces captured President Nicolas Maduro in a military operation. His wife was also detained during the action. Following the arrest, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assumed the role of acting president late on Sunday.
The US response was swift and stark. President Donald Trump issued a direct warning to the new acting leader, Rodríguez. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump demanded that Venezuela give the United States "total access" to its resources, particularly oil, or face consequences "probably worse than Maduro." He reiterated this threat in remarks earlier made to The Atlantic, as reported by CNN.
US authorities confirmed that Maduro and his wife are scheduled for their first court appearance before a federal judge on Monday at 12 pm local time.
China's Stance and Deepening Venezuela Ties
China's reaction was immediate and forceful. The Chinese Foreign Ministry demanded the immediate release of Maduro and his wife, labelling the US action a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. Beijing expressed grave concern over the forced seizure and removal of the Venezuelan leaders from their country.
This strong stance is rooted in a long-standing strategic partnership. China and Venezuela share close ties built on political alignment, extensive energy cooperation, and a shared resistance to US influence in Latin America. Over the years, Beijing has remained a crucial economic partner for Caracas, acting as a major buyer of Venezuelan oil and one of its largest sources of investment and loans, even amidst stringent US sanctions.
Reiterating its broader vision, Foreign Minister Wang said China continues to promote a "community with a shared future for humanity," advocating for dialogue, cooperation, and strict adherence to international law as the only acceptable means to resolve global challenges. He stressed China's commitment to working with Pakistan and the wider international community to uphold the UN Charter, safeguard national sovereignty, and protect global peace and development.
