China’s top diplomat has sharply criticized the United States for acting like a “world judge” after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and brought him to New York to face trial. Beijing confronted Washington at the United Nations, challenging the legality of the dramatic operation and warning it could undermine global diplomatic norms.
China adheres to a strict policy of non-intervention and often opposes military actions taken without approval from the UN Security Council. The U.S. military’s overnight removal of Maduro — the leader of one of China’s closest strategic partners — has become a key moment in testing China’s claim that it can help address international crises without resorting to force.
“We have never believed that any country can act as the world’s police, nor do we accept that any nation can claim to be the world’s judge,” Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a meeting in Beijing on Sunday with his Pakistani counterpart. While he did not explicitly name the United States, Wang referenced the “sudden developments in Venezuela” and stressed that “the sovereignty and security of all countries should be fully protected under international law.” These comments were his first since global reactions surged after images circulated showing a blindfolded and handcuffed 63-year-old Maduro.
On Monday in New York, Maduro pleaded not guilty to U.S. narcotics charges in federal court. Simultaneously, the UN Security Council held a session at Colombia’s request — supported by China and Russia — to debate U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to seize Maduro. UN Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned that the move could set a “dangerous precedent,” raising concerns about international stability.
At the Security Council meeting, China voiced its strong condemnation of the U.S. action. Sun Lei, chargé d’affaires of China’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, urged restraint and emphasized that “military means are not the solution to problems,” warning that the use of force can intensify global crises.
Analysts say China’s diplomatic stance is significant. As the world’s second-largest economy and a major partner to many developing nations, China’s rhetoric could play a crucial role in shaping global criticism of the United States. “There isn’t much in the way of material support that China can offer Venezuela at this time, but rhetorically, Beijing will be very important when it leads the effort at the UN and with other developing countries to rally opinion against the U.S.,” said Eric Olander, co-founder of the China-Global South Project.
China’s reaction underscores growing geopolitical tensions in the wake of Maduro’s capture, as world powers debate the limits of international law and the proper means of addressing global conflict.