The United States conducted a military operation on January 3, 2026, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas. They were subsequently transported to New York to face narcotrafficking and weapons charges, to which Maduro has pleaded not guilty. This dramatic event has led to Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's Vice President, being sworn in as Venezuela's interim president. China, a long-standing strategic partner and major creditor to Venezuela, has strongly condemned the US military intervention, calling it a violation of international law. Beijing has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to deepening practical cooperation with Venezuela across various sectors, emphasizing that its legitimate interests will be protected regardless of the political changes. Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yvan Gil has also expressed gratitude to China for its support and commitment to bilateral economic and trade agreements. Conversely, the Trump administration has indicated its intention to 'run' Venezuela and control its vast oil reserves, demanding that the interim government sever economic ties with China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba. The US aims to rebuild Venezuela's energy infrastructure and has stated it will selectively roll back sanctions to facilitate the sale of Venezuelan crude to global markets, primarily benefiting the US. Experts suggest that Maduro's capture introduces a new period of uncertainty for China's significant economic and strategic interests in Venezuela, which includes being its largest oil buyer and a major source of loans. The unfolding situation is a key development in the broader US-China rivalry, particularly in the Western Hemisphere, as both powers navigate the altered political landscape of Venezuela. The UN has noted the capture has added a new layer of uncertainty to Venezuela's ongoing humanitarian and political crisis.