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China urges immediate release of Maduro

China is gravely concerned over the US capture of Maduro and his wife and is closely following the security situation, ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a regular press briefing. 

Agencies
Beijing, China
Mon, January 5, 2026 Published on Jan. 5, 2026 Published on 2026-01-05T14:47:15+07:00

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This image posted on US President Donald Trump's Truth Social account on January 3, 2026, shows what President Trump says is Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro onboard the USS Iwo Jima after the US military captured him on January 3, 2026. This image posted on US President Donald Trump's Truth Social account on January 3, 2026, shows what President Trump says is Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro onboard the USS Iwo Jima after the US military captured him on January 3, 2026. (AFP/Handout)

C

hina's foreign ministry on Monday reiterated Beijing's stance on the situation after the US attack on Venezuela and called for the immediate release of President Nicolas Maduro. 

China is gravely concerned over the US capture of Maduro and his wife and is closely following the security situation, ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a regular press briefing. 

China has maintained positive communication and cooperation with the Venezuelan government, Lin said.

Earlier on Sunday, Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez created a commission to seek the release of president Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who were removed from power by US forces in Caracas.

Rodriguez tapped her brother Jorge, president of the National Assembly, and Foreign Minister Yvan Gil to co-chair the commission.

Information Minister Freddy Nanez will also be on the commission, he said in the announcement.

Accused of drug trafficking and terrorism, Maduro was detained in a New York jail Saturday and is due in court Monday.

Also on Sunday, President Trump insisted the United States is "in charge" of Venezuela after the seizure of Maduro, but was also dealing with the new leadership in Caracas.

Venezuela's interim leader Delcy Rodriguez said at the same time that she was ready to work together with the Trump administration, asking the US leader for a balanced, respectful relationship.

Trump has faced searching questions over his repeated assertions that Washington is now running Venezuela following the US military operation that spirited away Maduro and his wife before dawn Saturday.

The deposed Maduro is due to appear in a New York court Monday to face federal narcotrafficking charges.

"We're dealing with the people who just got sworn in. Don't ask me who's in charge because I'll give you an answer and it'll be very controversial," Trump told reporters on Air Force One when asked if he had spoken to Rodriguez.

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