China Calls on U.S. to Immediately Release Maduro, His Wife

(MENAFN) China issued an urgent call Sunday demanding the United States immediately free Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his spouse following their reported capture and removal from the country.

A spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry condemned what Beijing characterized as Washington's forced detention and extraction of the Venezuelan leader and his wife, according to an official ministry statement.

"The U.S.'s move is in clear violation of international law, basic norms in international relations, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter," the spokesperson declared in the ministry's online statement.

The rebuke marks Beijing's second formal condemnation within 48 hours, coming after U.S. President Donald Trump announced his administration had apprehended Maduro and his wife before flying them from Venezuelan territory.

"China calls on the U.S. to ensure the personal safety of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, release them at once, stop toppling the government of Venezuela, and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation," the spokesperson stated.

Beijing had already denounced Washington on Saturday for what it termed "hegemonic acts" and "blatant use of force" directed at Venezuela and its leadership, pressing the U.S. to honor UN Charter obligations.

Venezuela's government declared a national emergency Saturday, accusing Washington of striking civilian infrastructure and military targets across multiple regions of the country.

President Trump subsequently acknowledged ordering what he described as a "large-scale" military operation, confirming authorities had "captured and flown out of the country" Maduro and his wife.

The military action follows sustained Washington pressure on Maduro, whom the administration has accused of narcotics trafficking—allegations the Venezuelan leader has consistently rejected while signaling openness to diplomatic engagement.

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