‘No country can make itself world police’ – China speaks on Venezuelan President’s capture

China has pushed back strongly against what it described as unilateral global policing, following the United States’ capture and detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Speaking in Beijing during talks with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said no country has the authority to position itself as the world’s judge or enforcer. 

His remarks, though carefully worded, were widely interpreted as a direct response to the actions taken by the United States in Venezuela.

“We have never believed that any country should act as the world’s police, nor do we accept that any nation can assume the role of the world’s judge,” Wang said, referring to what he called the “sudden developments in Venezuela.” He stopped short of naming the US explicitly.

Wang stressed that national sovereignty and security must be respected under international law, marking Beijing’s first public reaction since images of Maduro blindfolded and handcuffed in US custody surfaced over the weekend. 

The 63-year-old Venezuelan leader is currently being held at a detention facility in New York and is expected to appear in court to face drug-related charges.

China’s statement reflects its broader effort in recent years to project itself as a major diplomatic power and an alternative voice to Washington on global affairs. 

Beijing has highlighted this ambition through high-profile mediation efforts, including its role in restoring diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023, as well as its stated interest in playing constructive roles in conflict zones.

Analysts say China’s growing assertiveness has also been fueled by its readiness to confront the United States on trade and geopolitical issues. 

However, the latest developments have strained Beijing’s close ties with Caracas, particularly after former US President Donald Trump announced that Washington would temporarily oversee Venezuela’s government.

China and Venezuela upgraded their relationship to an “all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership” in 2023, building on nearly 50 years of diplomatic relations. 

A Chinese official familiar with recent high-level discussions described Maduro’s capture as a serious setback, noting that meetings had taken place just hours before his detention.

China has been one of Venezuela’s most important economic partners, especially since Western sanctions intensified in 2017. 

Trade data indicate that China imported about $1.6 billion worth of Venezuelan goods in 2024, nearly half of it crude oil, while Chinese state-owned firms had invested billions of dollars in the country over the years.

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