Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has criticised the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the United States, warning against any country assuming the role of the “world’s judge” or “world’s police.” Speaking during a meeting with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Beijing on Sunday, Wang said recent developments in Venezuela underscored the need to respect national sovereignty and international law, without directly naming Washington.
Wang stressed that the sovereignty and security of all nations must be protected, marking China’s first public response since images emerged of the 63-year-old Venezuelan leader blindfolded and handcuffed following his capture. Maduro is currently being held in a New York detention centre and is expected to appear in court on drug-related charges. The episode has shocked many in Venezuela and intensified international debate over US interventionism.
The incident poses a significant diplomatic challenge for Beijing, which has sought to position itself as a global mediator and reliable partner, particularly in the developing world. China and Venezuela formalised an “all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership” in 2023, capping nearly five decades of diplomatic relations. Analysts say US President Donald Trump’s assertion that Washington will temporarily oversee Venezuela’s government threatens to test the depth and resilience of that alliance.
China has been a key economic supporter of Venezuela since Western sanctions intensified in 2017, purchasing about $1.6 billion worth of goods in 2024, nearly half of which was crude oil. Chinese state-owned energy firms have also invested billions of dollars in the country’s oil sector. With long-standing political, economic and educational ties now under strain, observers say Beijing faces a critical moment in balancing its strategic partnership with Caracas against growing geopolitical rivalry with the United States.
Melissa Enoch
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