China issued a forceful appeal to the United States during a United Nations Security Council session on January 5, 2026, demanding the immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife following their reported detention by U.S. forces earlier this week. The diplomatic confrontation marks a significant escalation in tensions over Washington’s recent military actions in Caracas.
Sun Lei, charge d’affaires of China’s Permanent Mission to the UN, condemned the U.S. operations as a violation of international law, stating: "The unilateral use of force against a sovereign state’s government directly contravenes the UN Charter." Sun emphasized China’s unwavering support for Venezuela’s sovereignty and called for an immediate cessation of "external interference" in its internal affairs.
The dispute stems from reports that U.S. military personnel detained Maduro and his spouse on January 3 during what American officials described as a "security operation." China’s intervention at the UNSC underscores its growing role as a counterbalance to Western geopolitical maneuvers, particularly in Latin America.
