China’s Xi Jinping Condemns U.S. Over Alleged Kidnapping of Venezuela’s President Maduro

Chinese President Xi Jinping has sharply criticized the United States over the alleged abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, accusing Washington of undermining the international order through unilateral actions.

Xi made the remarks on Monday during a meeting with the Prime Minister of Ireland, where he spoke broadly about growing global instability and what he described as the dangers of unilateral hegemony.

“The changes and turbulence the world is experiencing today are unprecedented in a century,” Xi said. “Unilateral hegemonism is damaging the international order. Every country’s people have the right to choose their own path of development, and all states must respect that choice. International law and the United Nations Charter should be upheld by everyone—especially major powers, which should lead by example.”

China has been vocal from the outset in condemning what it calls a U.S. attack on Venezuela and the abduction of President Maduro and his wife. Beijing has issued multiple statements demanding their immediate release. While Xi had previously remained publicly silent, this marked his first direct and explicit criticism of the United States over the issue.

Beijing Demands Immediate Release of Maduro

China’s Foreign Ministry on Monday again expressed deep concern over the situation in Venezuela. Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China is closely monitoring developments and reiterated calls for Maduro’s immediate release.

“President Nicolás Maduro must be released immediately,” Lin said. “China is deeply concerned about the abduction of President Maduro and his wife, and we are paying close attention to the security situation.”

Following Maduro’s detention, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez has assumed the role of acting president. Lin said China has maintained contact with Venezuela’s interim government and described recent communications with Caracas as positive.

Oil, Sovereignty, and China’s Position

Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, and China is its biggest oil customer. Following Maduro’s abduction, the United States has said it plans to increase investment in Venezuela’s oil sector, raising expectations that Washington’s control over the country’s energy resources could expand.

Asked whether China would continue importing oil from Venezuela under these circumstances, Lin avoided addressing oil supplies directly. Instead, he emphasized Beijing’s stance on sovereignty and bilateral cooperation.

“China respects Venezuela’s sovereignty and independence,” Lin said. “There exists a cooperative relationship between two sovereign states, protected by international law and the domestic laws of both countries. We believe the Venezuelan government will handle its internal affairs in accordance with its constitution and laws.”

China has consistently framed the crisis as a violation of Venezuelan sovereignty and warned against foreign interference, as tensions among major powers continue to escalate over influence in Latin America.