Global tensions spiked as China publicly demanded the release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from U.S. custody—just hours before his court appearance in New York. Beijing condemned Washington, calling the arrest a violation of international law, Venezuelan sovereignty, and UN principles.
China’s move wasn’t mere diplomacy—it was a strategic challenge. By defending Maduro, Beijing signaled that no nation should place domestic legal actions above global norms, while asserting its influence in the Western Hemisphere. China has cultivated strong ties with Venezuela through oil deals and infrastructure agreements, and this bold statement reinforced its readiness to counter U.S. authority in regions long considered America’s sphere of influence.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump escalated tensions in a different way. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he harshly criticized Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, calling him “very sick” and claiming he “likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States.” When asked about potential military action, Trump added, “It sounds good to me.”
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