Following its initial condemnation, China's envoy at an emergency UN Security Council meeting on January 6 strongly denounced the US military seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, urging their immediate release and a return to diplomatic solutions.
The US launched strikes on Venezuela on January 3, 2026, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and airlifting them out of the country, as previously reported. US President Donald Trump stated the US would temporarily 'run' Venezuela to access its oil and claimed no financial cost to America.
At Monday's UN Security Council emergency session, Sun Lei, chargé d'affaires of China's UN mission, said: 'China is deeply shocked by and strongly condemns the unilateral, illegal, and bullying acts by the United States.' He accused the US of violating Venezuela's sovereignty, UN Charter principles like non-interference and prohibition of force, and threatening Latin American peace by prioritizing military power over diplomacy and multilateralism.
China demands the US cease violations, release Maduro and his wife immediately, and pursue political dialogue. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson reiterated opposition on January 3 or 4, calling the acts hegemonic.
Venezuela has the world's largest proven oil reserves (303 billion barrels, 17% global total). Experts warn of production challenges from insecurity, aging infrastructure, and instability, citing the Iraq war's $2 trillion+ cost and prolonged conflict as cautionary precedents.
China supports Venezuela's sovereignty defense and regional peace efforts, pledging cooperation with Latin America and the international community.