China has issued a strong diplomatic rebuke against the United States following the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, declared that Beijing does not accept any nation positioning itself as the 'world's judge'.
China's Firm Stance on Sovereignty
In his first public comments since images surfaced showing the 63-year-old Maduro blindfolded and handcuffed last Saturday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi made Beijing's position clear. He stated that the sovereignty and security of all countries must be fully respected under international law.
While addressing his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, during a meeting in Beijing, Wang referred to the 'sudden developments in Venezuela' without directly naming the United States. "We have never believed that any country can act as the world's police, nor do we accept that any nation can claim to be the world's judge," Wang asserted.
Strain on a Strategic Partnership
The incident has placed significant pressure on the 'all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership' that China and Venezuela formalized in 2023, nearly five decades after establishing diplomatic relations. This strain intensified after former US President Donald Trump stated that the United States would oversee Venezuela's government for the time being.
A Chinese government official, briefed on recent high-level contacts, revealed the capture was a major blow. "It was a big blow to China. We wanted to look like a dependable friend to Venezuela," the official said, noting that meetings between the two nations were held just hours before Maduro's apprehension.
Maduro is currently detained at a facility in New York and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday to face drug-related charges.
Economic Lifeline and Diplomatic Ambitions
China has been a crucial economic partner for Venezuela, especially after US and allied sanctions tightened in 2017. Recent customs data indicates that China purchased Venezuelan goods worth approximately $1.6 billion in 2024, with crude oil accounting for nearly half of that amount.
Furthermore, by 2018, Chinese state-owned oil companies had invested an estimated $4.6 billion in Venezuela's energy sector, according to data tracking overseas corporate investment.
This episode tests China's growing confidence on the global stage. Beijing has actively sought to position itself as a major diplomatic power, a role highlighted after it brokered a surprise reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023. Analysts note that China's willingness to confront Washington in areas like trade negotiations has reinforced this assertive foreign policy stance.
