China calls on US to release Maduro, his wife

China has called on the United States to release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife at once and stop toppling the government of Venezuela, the Foreign Ministry said.

In an online statement, China expressed grave concern over the US move, describing it as a clear violation of international law, basic norms in international relations, and the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, per Chinese media.

The spokesperson called on Washington to ensure the personal safety of Maduro and his wife, and urged that issues be resolved through dialogue and negotiation.

On January 3, 2026, the United States launched a major military operation against Venezuela, involving air strikes and special forces, that resulted in Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, being captured at their residence and taken into U.S. custody.

The operation—referred to by U.S. officials as Operation Absolute Resolve—began in the early hours with strikes on military installations and other strategic targets in and around Caracas, the capital. Explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported around 2 a.m. local time. U.S. forces, including elite units, moved into the targeted area, overcame Venezuela’s defences, and captured Maduro and Flores. They were first taken to a U.S. Navy ship (the USS Iwo Jima) and then flown to New York, where they arrived on the same day to face federal charges. 

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed both were to be charged in the Southern District of New York with narco‑terrorism, drug trafficking, and related offences—charges originally brought in a 2020 indictment. President Donald Trump publicly stated the operation was a success and said Washington would temporarily “run” the country until a “safe, proper and judicious transition” could be arranged.

By Khagan Isayev