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Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has reportedly been captured by United States forces following a high-level meeting with Chinese officials in Caracas, according to claims circulating in Venezuelan media and online sources.
The alleged incident is said to have taken place on January 3, after what has been described as a U.S. ground operation that resulted in Maduro’s detention and removal from the country. Reports claim the development occurred just hours after Maduro met with a Chinese delegation to discuss closer cooperation in the face of continued U.S. pressure.
According to Venezuelan local outlets and posts shared on official government-linked channels, the meeting was held at the Miraflores Presidential Palace. It reportedly included senior Chinese diplomats, including representatives of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Venezuela’s Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, and Foreign Minister, Iván Gil, were also said to be in attendance.
The talks were described as reaffirming China’s backing for Maduro’s administration amid ongoing tensions with Washington. Discussions reportedly reviewed numerous bilateral agreements between the two countries. China is Venezuela’s largest buyer of crude oil and has invested billions of dollars in infrastructure and development projects in the country since 2007.
Some reports further allege that the U.S. operation was ordered by former President Donald Trump from Mar-a-Lago, following his announcement of an intensified campaign against drug trafficking. China and Russia were also reported to have raised objections through the United Nations, warning that such actions could have serious implications for global stability.
Analysts suggest the claims, if confirmed, could have major consequences for U.S.–China relations, particularly after both countries agreed to ease tensions during talks held in Busan last year. Trump is also expected to visit China in April at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, adding to concerns about possible diplomatic fallout.
