New Delhi: Russia and China sharply condemned the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the US, calling the action a grave violation of international law and a dangerous escalation with global consequences. Both countries are allies of the Latin American state.
China said it was “deeply shocked” by what it described as Washington’s blatant use of force against a sovereign state and its head of state. In a statement, Beijing accused the US of violating Venezuela’s sovereignty and undermining peace and stability across Latin America and the Caribbean.
“Such hegemonic acts of the U.S. seriously violate international law and Venezuela’s sovereignty, and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region. China firmly opposes it,” the statement read.
China is deeply shocked by and strongly condemns the U.S.’s blatant use of force against a sovereign state and action against its president.
Such hegemonic acts of the U.S. seriously violate international law and Venezuela’s sovereignty, and threaten peace and security in Latin… pic.twitter.com/wjfRMhvNKP
— CHINA MFA Spokesperson 中国外交部发言人 (@MFA_China) January 3, 2026
The operation reportedly took place shortly after Maduro met a high-level Chinese delegation at the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas.
According to Venezuelan media and official footage, the meeting included senior Chinese diplomats and reaffirmed Beijing’s support for the Maduro government amid rising tensions with Washington. China is Venezuela’s largest crude oil buyer and has invested tens of billions of dollars in the country since 2007.
Russia called the US action “alarming”, adding that it was “extremely alarmed” by reports that Maduro and his wife had been forcibly taken out of the country. Moscow demanded immediate clarification, warning that if confirmed, the operation would constitute an unacceptable breach of state sovereignty.
It also called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council and said all parties should pursue dialogue to prevent further escalation.
⚡️ We are extremely concerned by reports that Venezuela’s President & his spouse were forcibly taken out of the country during today’s aggressive actions by the US.
If confirmed, this would constitute a grave violation of sovereignty & international law.https://t.co/Ydtkhzx42Q pic.twitter.com/awhHTKM4Xk
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) January 3, 2026
The criticism came after US President Donald Trump confirmed that American forces had carried out a ground operation in Venezuela, following weeks of heightened military pressure as part of a “war on drugs.”
Russian officials accused the US of double standards, noting that Western leaders routinely condemn Moscow’s actions in Ukraine while framing the American operation in Venezuela as a step toward a “peaceful and democratic transition.”
In Caracas, Venezuela’s communications ministry said Maduro had signed a declaration of emergency before his capture, calling on social and political groups to mobilise against what it described as American aggression.
(Edited by Tony Rai)