China has issued a blunt four-word demand to the United States following a dramatic overnight raid that saw US special forces capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a key Beijing ally. The operation, which has sent shockwaves through international diplomacy, prompted an immediate and furious response from Chinese officials.
The Nighttime Raid and Immediate Fallout
In a high-risk mission that defied international norms, US special forces seized Nicolás Maduro and his wife from their compound in the middle of the night on 4 January 2026. The Venezuelan leader was forcibly removed and swiftly transported to the United States, where he and his wife are scheduled to appear in a New York court on Monday. They face a series of charges, including narco-terrorism and accusations of smuggling drugs into the US.
The Chinese foreign ministry did not mince words in its reaction, directing a terse, four-word command at US President Donald Trump: "Release them at once." Officials in Beijing expressed grave concern over the transfer, condemning the operation as a flagrant breach of international law.
International Condemnation and US Justification
Beijing's statement elaborated that the raid represented a "clear violation of international law and the basic norms in international relations", as well as the principles of the UN Charter. China urged the US to ensure the safety of the Maduros, cease attempts to topple the Venezuelan government, and pursue dialogue.
This stance was echoed by Russia, another of Maduro's key supporters, which branded the mission an "act of armed aggression." The coordinated criticism from Beijing and Moscow highlights the growing axis opposed to US foreign policy actions.
President Trump justified the capture by citing long-standing claims that Venezuela facilitated the smuggling of lethal drugs into America. Following the operation, he announced that the US would oversee a transition of power in Venezuela and dispatch oil companies to tap the country's vast resources.
Global Reactions and UK Stance
The raid has intensified global fears of escalating tensions between major powers. Members of the Trump administration have since indicated that the US is prepared to take similar action against other governments in the region deemed hostile to Washington's interests.
In response to the crisis, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer adopted a cautiously neutral position. A statement clarified that the "UK Government will discuss the evolving situation with US counterparts in the days ahead as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate Government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people."
The bold US move, while celebrated by some of Venezuela's domestic opponents, has set a contentious precedent. Analysts warn it risks a significant diplomatic rupture with China, which holds substantial oil interests in Venezuela, and further destabilises an already volatile geopolitical landscape.
