Overview
- U.S. special operations forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, and U.S. authorities subsequently seized two Venezuela‑linked oil tankers in international waters.
- China labeled the raid and the tanker seizures violations of international law, with statements from both the foreign ministry and the Taiwan Affairs Office.
- Beijing dismissed comparisons between Venezuela and Taiwan and warned it would deliver a "head‑on blow" if Taiwan independence forces cross its red line.
- A senior Chinese envoy met Maduro hours before the raid, and Chinese officials remained in Venezuela during the operation, highlighting limits to Beijing’s protective reach.
- President Trump told the New York Times that Taiwan is "up to" Xi Jinping, said he would be very unhappy with any forcible change, and argued the Venezuela operation sets no precedent for Taiwan, as analysts weighed risks to China’s influence and investments.