China Urges Immediate Release of Venezuela’s Maduro, Calls for Dialogue

Beijing: China on Sunday expressed serious concern over the reported detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by the United States, calling for their immediate release and urging a resolution through 'dialogue and negotiation,' according to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Chinese ministry said it was alarmed that the Venezuelan leaders had allegedly been 'seized by force' and moved outside the country. A spokesperson described the US actions as a violation of international law and the fundamental principles of international relations, in contravention of the United Nations Charter, while undermining Venezuela’s sovereignty.

China called on Washington to ensure the personal safety of Maduro and Flores, release them without delay, halt actions against the Venezuelan government, and seek a diplomatic solution.

The announcement came after US President Donald Trump stated that Maduro and Flores had been captured in Caracas and transferred to the United States, with the Venezuelan president spending his first night at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. In Venezuela, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez assumed temporary leadership of the executive branch, under orders from the Supreme Court of Justice.

China has longstanding diplomatic and economic ties with Venezuela, which have deepened under Chinese President Xi Jinping and Maduro, and Beijing has consistently supported the principles of state sovereignty and non-interference. Earlier, the Chinese government had issued a consular warning advising citizens to avoid travel to Venezuela due to worsening security conditions, without commenting on the US operation.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is closely following developments in Venezuela after the U.S. operation and stressed its commitment to promoting the restoration of democracy. Tokyo indicated it would prioritise the safety of Japanese nationals in the country and coordinate with 'relevant countries, including G7 members,' to support diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilising the situation. Japan’s statement also underscored adherence to international law while reiterating the importance of restoring democratic governance in Venezuela.