Xi slams 'intimidation acts' after U.S. seizes Maduro

Monday 05 January 2026 - 17:20

Chinese President Xi Jinping sharply condemned "unilateral and intimidating actions" undermining global order on Monday, delivering Beijing's top-level response to the U.S. military raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro three days prior.

Speaking with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in Beijing, Xi warned the world faces "unprecedented changes and turbulence unseen in a century" and urged major powers to "set an example" by upholding international law and the UN Charter. Though Xi avoided naming the U.S. directly, his comments came as Maduro prepared to face narcoterrorism charges in a New York court.

The remarks signal a major diplomatic clash between Beijing and Washington over Saturday's predawn Caracas strike. China swiftly denounced the operation, its foreign ministry branding it a "blatant use of force against a sovereign state" and demanding Maduro's immediate release.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi doubled down Sunday, telling Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar that Beijing "does not believe any country can play world policeman." "The sovereignty and security of all nations must be fully protected by international law," Wang stated. Xi also met South Korean President Lee Jae-myung Monday, though the Venezuela crisis overshadowed Beijing's diplomatic messaging.

China holds hefty economic stakes in Venezuela as its top oil buyer and creditor. Bilateral trade hit 6.4 billion dollars in 2024, up 52.5 percent year-over-year. China absorbs over 80 percent of Venezuelan crude exports, providing a key economic lifeline amid U.S. sanctions. The raid dents Beijing's sway in Latin America, built through infrastructure investments and oil-backed loans. Last November, Xi called the nations "close friends, dear brothers, and good partners" in a message to Maduro.

The U.S. executed Operation Absolute Resolve with 150 aircraft and Delta Force operators, nabbing Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores in about two hours. Venezuelan officials reported over 80 deaths. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez swore in as interim president before Venezuela's Supreme Court. Maduro appeared before a Manhattan federal judge at noon Monday on charges including narcoterrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation. President Donald Trump warned he aims to "run" Venezuela and tap its vast oil reserves.