In a sharp diplomatic rebuke, China has launched a fierce criticism against the United States and former President Donald Trump following the dramatic capture and extradition of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The Chinese government accused Washington of "bullying" and urged it to stop "acting like a world policeman." This condemnation comes amidst fresh instability in Caracas, where gunfire was reported near the presidential palace.
Chaos in Caracas Following Leadership Change
The political crisis in Venezuela deepened just hours after Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as the interim president. The ceremony followed the unprecedented operation where U.S. forces removed Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from Venezuela. They were flown to New York to face serious drug-trafficking charges. The sudden power shift has left the nation in a state of high alert.
Adding to the tension, gunfire erupted near the Miraflores Palace, the official presidential residence, after unidentified drones entered restricted airspace. Venezuelan authorities were quick to clarify the situation, stating that police fired warning shots to deter the drones and firmly denying any rumours of a coup attempt. However, the incident sent shockwaves through the capital.
On the Ground: A City on Edge
Residents of Caracas described brief but alarming scenes of heightened military activity. Soldiers and armoured vehicles were deployed around key government buildings, and air-defence systems were activated. The visible show of force underscored the fragile security situation as the new interim administration tries to establish control.
Venezuelan troops remain on high alert across the country. The global reaction has been mixed, with some nations supporting the U.S. action and others, like China, vehemently opposing it. This international divide adds another layer of complexity to Venezuela's path forward.
International Fallout and China's Stern Warning
China's foreign ministry did not mince words in its response. It explicitly called out the United States for "bullying" behaviour and overstepping its bounds in international affairs. The statement emphasized that the Maduro incident sets a dangerous precedent and violates core principles of national sovereignty.
This strong stance from Beijing is closely tied to its significant financial interests in Venezuela, where it has invested billions of dollars in oil and other sectors. China views the U.S.-led action as a direct threat to its economic stakes and a destabilizing move in the region. The warning serves as a clear message that Beijing will challenge what it sees as American overreach.
As the world watches, Venezuela stands at a critical crossroads. The combination of internal military mobilization, a new untested leader in Delcy Rodríguez, and sharp international condemnation from powerful allies like China suggests that the road to stability will be long and fraught with challenges. The events of the past few days have irrevocably changed the political landscape, not just for Venezuela, but for global power dynamics.
