China demands Maduro's release, awaits UN response

The detention of Nicolas Maduro by US forces has provoked a strong reaction from China, which accuses the US of arbitrariness and violation of international law. Diplomatic chief Wang Yi warned that the United States was arbitrarily arrogating to itself the role of 'world judge'.

Beijing has also announced that it will take the legality of the intervention to the UN Security Council, where it has the support of Russia and Colombia. According to a Chinese official, this was a "big blow" for Beijing, which had sought to profile itself as a trusted partner of Venezuela.

China has a long-standing economic and strategic relationship with Caracas, backed by billions of dollars in investment. Analysts warn that although China cannot provide direct aid at the moment, it can significantly influence the attitude of developing countries.

Moreover, the case calls into question the credibility of China's Global Security Initiative, to which a number of Latin American states subscribe.

US intervention and possible military escalation in the region are worrying states such as Mexico and Colombia.

(reuters, pir)