China has made a strong demand to the US following the quick capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro by American special forces. This move has raised concerns about escalating tensions between Beijing and Washington DC.
Maduro and his wife were seized and taken from their residence in a nighttime operation. They are now facing charges, including narco-terrorism and drug smuggling, and are scheduled to appear in a New York court on Monday.
The daring raid by the US has had a significant impact globally, signaling a willingness to act against nations deemed threatening. Beijing and Moscow, who have aligned against US dominance, have expressed anger over Maduro’s extradition across the Americas for trial.
In response, China’s foreign ministry issued a direct demand to President Donald Trump, insisting on the immediate release of Maduro and his wife. Chinese officials have criticized the US for violating international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
Observers have noted the irony in China’s reaction, given its own contentious actions in the South China Sea, while Russia has also condemned the US operation as an act of aggression. Trump defended the capture, citing Venezuela’s alleged involvement in drug trafficking to the US.
The US plans to oversee a transition of power in Venezuela and deploy oil companies to exploit resources in the country. Latin American leaders have been warned that the US is prepared to take action against any government seen as hostile to Washington DC.
UK’s Keir Starmer has taken a neutral stance on the raid, expressing a desire for a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate Venezuelan government that reflects the people’s will.