‘Deeply Shocked’: China Reacts to US Military Action Against Venezuela

China has strongly condemned US military action in Venezuela and the alleged detention of President Nicolas Maduro. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Beijing was "deeply shocked" by reports of the operation, describing the use of force against a sovereign state as a blatant violation of international norms.

The remarks came after US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that American forces had carried out a "large-scale strike" in Caracas and that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been captured and flown out of the country. China criticised these claims, saying unilateral military action undermines Venezuela's sovereignty and could destabilise the region.

According to the Chinese foreign ministry, such actions violate international law and the principles of the UN Charter, which protect the territorial integrity and political independence of nations. The spokesperson said Washington's reported use of force threatens peace and security across Latin America and the Caribbean and cautioned that it could create long-term instability in the region.

Beijing also called the US approach hegemonic behaviour, warning that precedent-setting interventions could encourage other states to bypass international legal frameworks. "We urge the United States to immediately reconsider its course, respect the sovereignty of other nations, and stop any actions that undermine global stability," the spokesperson said.

China further emphasised the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy, rather than unilateral military operations. The ministry noted that upholding international law is essential to maintain global order and that actions like these risk eroding trust between countries, increasing tensions, and undermining collective security mechanisms.

Observers in Beijing noted that China has consistently opposed foreign military interventions in sovereign nations and has urged all parties involved in crises to act responsibly. Analysts suggest China's strong condemnation reflects its broader concern over US unilateralism and the precedent such military operations could set globally.

The Chinese government said it will closely monitor developments in Venezuela and expects the international community to uphold principles of sovereignty, law, and multilateralism, warning that any repeat of similar actions could have serious geopolitical consequences.