This week, global geopolitics witnessed significant tremors with the United States military's dramatic intervention in Venezuela, leading to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. The event drew sharp reactions from China, a key player with growing economic stakes in Latin America. Concurrently, Beijing hosted Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, reaffirming their deep strategic partnership. These developments underscore the shifting dynamics of international power and alliance structures.
China's Firm Condemnation of US Action in Venezuela
The Chinese government responded swiftly to the events in Caracas over the weekend of January 4-5, 2026. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, on Sunday, January 5, stated unequivocally, "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." This criticism targeted the US operation, which was based on charges of "narco-terrorism" against Maduro by a New York court, though US leadership cited Venezuela's oil resources as a key motive.
Chinese state media echoed this position. An editorial in the Global Times described the scenes as "a scenario so outrageous that even Hollywood screenwriters would struggle to imagine it," labeling it a reflection of US hegemony. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized China's opposition to actions infringing on sovereignty, asserting that Latin American nations have the right to choose their own development paths.
This stance is deeply tied to China's substantial and expanding footprint in the region. Bilateral trade between China and Latin America hit a record $518.47 billion in 2024, making China the largest trading partner for South America. Key engagements include:
- Reducing reliance on US soybeans by sourcing from Brazil.
- Major Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects like the $3.5 billion port in Chancay, Peru.
- Pursuing mineral extraction deals, particularly in the "lithium triangle" of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile.
- Being a major buyer of Venezuelan oil.
The timing was particularly sensitive as Maduro was captured just hours after a Chinese delegation met him to reaffirm support. Under President Trump's renewed focus on the region, this event tests China's influence. Analysts note that while China has built strong ties, it is unlikely to directly intervene militarily against US dominance—a pattern seen during the 2025 attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities.
Taiwan Precedent and Strategic Calculations
The Venezuela action also resonates with the Taiwan issue. Some observers warn it sets a dangerous "might is right" precedent, where powerful nations attack smaller ones with minimal regard for international law. Conversely, it may signal that despite Trump's campaign rhetoric against "endless wars," the US could mount a strong response to a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan, even without large troop deployments.
Pakistan and China Cement "Ironclad" Friendship
Parallel to the Venezuela crisis, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar concluded a three-day visit to Beijing for the Seventh Round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue. The meeting reinforced the foundational pillars of the bilateral relationship.
The joint communiqué reiterated that the two nations are "All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partners enjoying ironclad friendship and strategic mutual trust." A key outcome was the agreement to build an "upgraded version 2.0 of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)," the flagship BRI project in Pakistan. This upgrade aims to expand industrial cooperation and develop new Special Economic Zones (SEZs), though past progress on such ambitions has been slow.
Both sides also announced plans to launch activities commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.
Enduring Partnership Amid Challenges
The relationship, underpinned by over $62 billion in CPEC investments, faces headwinds. Pakistan's economic troubles and persistent security challenges, including terror attacks on Chinese workers, pose limitations. There have also been grumblings within Pakistan's business community about perceived unfair advantages for Chinese firms.
Despite these issues and Pakistan's maintained ties with the US, the partnership with China endures. Its primacy is largely driven by the shared strategic objective of balancing India's influence in South Asia, a constant in the geopolitical calculus of both Islamabad and Beijing.
In summary, the week highlighted China's diplomatic posture as a critic of US unilateralism, especially in regions where it has cultivated substantial economic interests. Simultaneously, it demonstrated the continued resilience and strategic importance of its alliance with Pakistan, even as both relationships navigate complex global and regional realities.
