In a significant diplomatic rebuke, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has strongly criticised the United States for its recent military actions in Venezuela. Wang made his remarks on Saturday, January 4, 2026, directly addressing the US air raids and the subsequent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
Wang Yi's Firm Stance on Sovereignty
This marks Wang's first public comments on the highly controversial incident. He explicitly stated China's long-standing foreign policy principle of opposing the use or threat of force in international relations. Wang emphasised that China is against any country imposing its will on another sovereign nation. His comments underscore Beijing's firm stance on protecting state sovereignty and its criticism of what it views as unilateral US action.
The US Operation and Its Aftermath
The events that triggered this response occurred on Saturday, when US military forces conducted air raids on Venezuelan territory. The operation resulted in the detention of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Both were then transported to New York to face trial, a move that has sent shockwaves through global diplomatic circles. The specific charges they will face in the US have not been detailed in the initial reports.
Broader Implications for Global Diplomacy
Wang Yi's condemnation highlights the deepening geopolitical rift between China and the United States. By framing the US action as a violation of core United Nations Charter principles, China positions itself as a defender of the existing international order based on non-interference. This incident is likely to have several immediate consequences:
- Increased tension in US-China relations, already strained over other global issues.
- A potential rallying point for other nations critical of US foreign policy.
- Intense debate at the United Nations Security Council regarding the legality of the US operation.
- Uncertainty regarding the political future and stability of Venezuela.
The capture of a sitting head of state by another country's military is an extraordinarily rare event in modern times. Analysts predict this will become a defining case in discussions about international law, sovereignty, and great power rivalry for years to come. The world now watches closely for Venezuela's next steps, the legal proceedings in New York, and the wider reaction from the international community.
