China urges US to release Venezuelan President Maduro, calls for dialogue

BEIJING: China has called on the United States to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, urging that the crisis in Venezuela be resolved through dialogue and negotiations rather than the use of force.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed strong concern over the reported US action, saying that forcibly arresting and removing a country’s leader violates international law, diplomatic norms, and the principles of the United Nations Charter. China said the US must ensure the personal safety of President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and release them without delay.

“Such actions will only exacerbate regional instability and seriously undermine international law,” the statement said, adding that political disputes should not be settled through military means.

China’s remarks came after reports that the US launched a military operation in Venezuela on Saturday, during which President Maduro and his wife were detained and transferred to New York. US officials have confirmed the detention, though the move has sparked sharp criticism and concern from several countries.

Tensions escalated further after US President Donald Trump said Washington would assume control of Venezuela until a “safe, orderly and prudent” transfer of power could be carried out. The statement has intensified international reaction, with several governments seeking clarification and questioning the legality of the move.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated that the Venezuelan issue should be addressed through political dialogue and diplomatic engagement, stressing that the international community has a responsibility to promote a peaceful and negotiated solution rather than deepen confrontation.

China also called on all parties to act with restraint to prevent further escalation and instability in the region.