China Issues Urgent Travel Warning for Venezuela Amid US Military Strikes and Maduro's Capture

China Advises Against Travel to Venezuela

Beijing, China – The Chinese government has issued an urgent travel warning for its citizens, advising against all travel to Venezuela following a significant escalation of security concerns in the South American nation. The advisory, released on January 3, 2026, by the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Venezuela, cites heightened risks in the wake of recent US military airstrikes and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Chinese nationals currently residing in Venezuela have been urged to exercise extreme caution. The advisory recommends that they:

• Closely monitor local security developments
• Strengthen safety precautions and emergency preparedness
• Avoid unnecessary outings
• Stay clear of conflict zones and other sensitive areas

In case of emergency, Chinese citizens are instructed to contact local police immediately and seek assistance from the Chinese Embassy in Venezuela.

US Military Operation Leads to Maduro's Capture

The travel warning comes after the United States military launched a large-scale operation in Venezuela on January 3, 2026. Codenamed 'Operation Absolute Resolve,' the mission involved more than 150 US Armed Forces airplanes conducting airstrikes across northern Venezuela, including the capital city of Caracas, before 02:00 local time. The operation successfully led to the capture and rendition of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.

Reports indicate that the airstrikes targeted military and civilian infrastructure. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez denounced the capture as a 'kidnapping' and became acting president. Casualties were reported among both civilians and military personnel, with one report citing at least 40 killed. US President Donald Trump confirmed the operation, stating that US forces sustained 'a few injuries' but no American troops were killed.

International Condemnation and Heightened Tensions

The US military action has drawn strong international condemnation. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a scathing statement, describing the operation as a 'blatant use of force against a sovereign state' and a 'hegemonic act' that violates international law and Venezuela's sovereignty. Beijing, a long-term ally and significant creditor to the Maduro government, urged Washington to 'stop violating other countries' sovereignty and security' and called for adherence to principles of non-interference. Other global powers, including Russia and Iran, have also mirrored Beijing's condemnation, while the United Nations expressed alarm, warning of a 'dangerous precedent' for international relations.

The situation in Venezuela remains highly volatile, with ongoing reports of explosions and low-flying aircraft across Caracas. The Chinese government's advisory underscores the severe and rapidly deteriorating security landscape in the country, urging all Chinese nationals to prioritize their safety amidst the unfolding crisis.