Following the US military's "Operation Absolute Resolve" that led to capture of Venuzualean President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from Caracas, China reacted strongly by condemenining the military action saying such “hegemonic acts of the US seriously violate international law and Venezuela’s sovereignty,” adding that “We call on the US to abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and stop violating other countries’ sovereignty and security,” the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;Hours before the US strikes on Venezuela, China's Special Representative on Latin American Affairs, Qiu Xiaoqi, held a meeting with President Maduro, as Caracas is central to Beijing's Latin America outreach with nearly $105.6 billion worth of loans and financial aid.<h2>China’s Venezuela Bet</h2>Venezuela has long been viewed as a crucial component of China’s strategy to expand its influence beyond Asia. The relationship took formal shape in 2006, under President Hugo Chávez, with Caracas signing several trade agreements with Beijing and describing China as a “Great Wall” against US influence.&nbsp;Under these agreements, Venezuela committed to supplying up to one million barrels of oil per day to China. In return, Beijing promised political backing, including support for Venezuela’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, according to media reports. By 2008, Beijing was sourcing nearly half of its oil supply from Venezuela, making it a key component in China's energy dynamics.&nbsp;The partnership soon turned financial. China began extending large loans to Venezuela, backed by future oil supplies. In 2006, Beijing provided $2 billion in loans, which rose to $7 billion in 2007, according to AidData, a US-based research group. Lending surged in the following years, with $8 billion extended in 2009 and around $27 billion in 2010.&nbsp;In 2007, the two countries created a joint fund worth $6 billion, with a $4 billion loan from the China Development Bank and $2 billion from Venezuela’s state development fund, FONDEN. Repayment was secured through oil shipments from PDVSA, Venezuela’s state-run oil company. The fund was expanded to $12 billion in 2009 through additional contributions from both sides.&nbsp;China continued lending even as Venezuela’s economy weakened. In 2014, it provided a $1 billion credit line to PDVSA and another $1.5 billion loan for working capital.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-release-them-at-once-says-china-to-us-on-capture-of-nicolas-maduro-and-wife-1767523040528">'Release them at once', says China to US on capture of Nicolas Maduro and wife</a>&nbsp;When global oil prices collapsed in 2014, and Venezuela’s economy plunged under President Nicolás Maduro, China extended a further $10 billion loan to support Venezuela’s balance of payments, again backed by oil exports. In 2015, Beijing eased repayment terms on nearly $50 billion in outstanding loans, reducing daily oil shipments and allowing some repayments in local currency.&nbsp;Since 2016, China has largely stopped issuing new loans to Venezuela, focusing instead on restructuring existing debt. Despite this slowdown, Venezuela remains one of China’s biggest debtors, and any political change in Caracas could have major financial consequences for Beijing.

Hours before the US strikes on Venezuela, China's Special Representative on Latin American Affairs, Qiu Xiaoqi, held a meeting with President Maduro.

Following the US military's "Operation Absolute Resolve" that led to capture of Venuzualean President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from Caracas, China reacted strongly by condemenining the military action saying such “hegemonic acts of the US seriously violate international law and Venezuela’s sovereignty,” adding that “We call on the US to abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and stop violating other countries’ sovereignty and security,” the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement. Hours before the US strikes on Venezuela, China's Special Representative on Latin American Affairs, Qiu Xiaoqi, held a meeting with President Maduro, as Caracas is central to Beijing's Latin America outreach with nearly $105.6 billion worth of loans and financial aid. China’s Venezuela Bet Venezuela has long been viewed as a crucial component of China’s strategy to expand its influence beyond Asia. The relationship took formal shape in 2006, under President Hugo Chávez, with Caracas signing several trade agreements with Beijing and describing China as a “Great Wall” against US influence. Under these agreements, Venezuela committed to supplying up to one million barrels of oil per day to China. In return, Beijing promised political backing, including support for Venezuela’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, according to media reports. By 2008, Beijing was sourcing nearly half of its oil supply from Venezuela, making it a key component in China's energy dynamics. The partnership soon turned financial. China began extending large loans to Venezuela, backed by future oil supplies. In 2006, Beijing provided $2 billion in loans, which rose to $7 billion in 2007, according to AidData, a US-based research group. Lending surged in the following years, with $8 billion extended in 2009 and around $27 billion in 2010. In 2007, the two countries created a joint fund worth $6 billion, with a $4 billion loan from the China Development Bank and $2 billion from Venezuela’s state development fund, FONDEN. Repayment was secured through oil shipments from PDVSA, Venezuela’s state-run oil company. The fund was expanded to $12 billion in 2009 through additional contributions from both sides. China continued lending even as Venezuela’s economy weakened. In 2014, it provided a $1 billion credit line to PDVSA and another $1.5 billion loan for working capital. Also Read: 'Release them at once', says China to US on capture of Nicolas Maduro and wife When global oil prices collapsed in 2014, and Venezuela’s economy plunged under President Nicolás Maduro, China extended a further $10 billion loan to support Venezuela’s balance of payments, again backed by oil exports. In 2015, Beijing eased repayment terms on nearly $50 billion in outstanding loans, reducing daily oil shipments and allowing some repayments in local currency. Since 2016, China has largely stopped issuing new loans to Venezuela, focusing instead on restructuring existing debt. Despite this slowdown, Venezuela remains one of China’s biggest debtors, and any political change in Caracas could have major financial consequences for Beijing.

Hours before the US strikes on Venezuela, China's Special Representative on Latin American Affairs, Qiu Xiaoqi, held a meeting with President Maduro.

China’s $100 billion in loans at stake in Venezuela after US captures Maduro

The demolition of the Chinese monument at the Mirador del Puente de Las Américas, a scenic overlook near Panama’s iconic Bridge of the Americas, has ignited a diplomatic firestorm. The monument, an Eastern-style arch and obelisk, stood as a tribute to the significant contributions of Chinese immigrants to Panama’s history, particularly their labour in building the Panama Canal and the Twin Ocean Railway in the 19th century. Offering stunning views of the canal and bridge, the site held cultural resonance for Panama’s Chinese community, established for generations. Arraiján Mayor Stefany Peñalba justified the demolition, announced on December 28, 2025, via a social media post, as a “preventive and technical” decision to enhance the site for tourism. “We assume responsibility for the actions taken at the Mirador del Puente de Las Américas… This was an autonomous decision that does not intend to offend or negate the cultural legacy of the Chinese community in Panama,” she stated, promising a renovated park. However, the nighttime demolition has been widely criticised, with the Chinese community alleging they were denied a chance to repair or relocate it. The decision has drawn sharp rebukes from Beijing. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian condemned the act, stating, “China deplores the forced demolition by relevant local authorities in Panama, and has protested… The monument stood as a witness and memorial to the time-honoured friendship between China and Panama, and to the tremendous contribution of Chinese workers who travelled across the oceans… some even paying the ultimate price during the construction.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-khaleda-zia-s-death-taslima-nasreen-asks-will-my-exile-end-seikh-hasina-freedom-of-expression-in-bangladesh-lajja-khaleda-zia-1767112351500">After Khaleda Zia’s death, Taslima Nasreen asks: ‘Will my exile end?’</a>&nbsp;The move impacts the Panama-China relations, with political undertones as US President Trump tries to stake a claim to the Panama Canal. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has reacted to the development in a strong way. In a Facebook post, he said, "There is no justification whatsoever for the barbarity committed by the mayor of Arraiján in demolishing the monument to the Chinese Community built on the Bridge of the Americas". He pointed out that the Chinese community is "traditional in our country, with generations established here, and deserves all our respect. An investigation should be launched immediately. Such an irrational act is unforgivable." The controversy coincides with former US President Donald Trump’s recent claims that the canal treaties are a “bad part” of the Carter legacy, reflecting US anxieties about Chinese influence.

Arraiján Mayor Stefany Peñalba justified the demolition, announced on December 28, 2025, via a social media post, as a “preventive and technical” decision to enhance the site for tourism. 

The demolition of the Chinese monument at the Mirador del Puente de Las Américas, a scenic overlook near Panama’s iconic Bridge of the Americas, has ignited a diplomatic firestorm. The monument, an Eastern-style arch and obelisk, stood as a tribute to the significant contributions of Chinese immigrants to Panama’s history, particularly their labour in building the Panama Canal and the Twin Ocean Railway in the 19th century. Offering stunning views of the canal and bridge, the site held cultural resonance for Panama’s Chinese community, established for generations. Arraiján Mayor Stefany Peñalba justified the demolition, announced on December 28, 2025, via a social media post, as a “preventive and technical” decision to enhance the site for tourism. “We assume responsibility for the actions taken at the Mirador del Puente de Las Américas… This was an autonomous decision that does not intend to offend or negate the cultural legacy of the Chinese community in Panama,” she stated, promising a renovated park. However, the nighttime demolition has been widely criticised, with the Chinese community alleging they were denied a chance to repair or relocate it. The decision has drawn sharp rebukes from Beijing. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian condemned the act, stating, “China deplores the forced demolition by relevant local authorities in Panama, and has protested… The monument stood as a witness and memorial to the time-honoured friendship between China and Panama, and to the tremendous contribution of Chinese workers who travelled across the oceans… some even paying the ultimate price during the construction.” Also Read: After Khaleda Zia’s death, Taslima Nasreen asks: ‘Will my exile end?’ The move impacts the Panama-China relations, with political undertones as US President Trump tries to stake a claim to the Panama Canal. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has reacted to the development in a strong way. In a Facebook post, he said, "There is no justification whatsoever for the barbarity committed by the mayor of Arraiján in demolishing the monument to the Chinese Community built on the Bridge of the Americas". He pointed out that the Chinese community is "traditional in our country, with generations established here, and deserves all our respect. An investigation should be launched immediately. Such an irrational act is unforgivable." The controversy coincides with former US President Donald Trump’s recent claims that the canal treaties are a “bad part” of the Carter legacy, reflecting US anxieties about Chinese influence.

Arraiján Mayor Stefany Peñalba justified the demolition, announced on December 28, 2025, via a social media post, as a “preventive and technical” decision to enhance the site for tourism.&nbsp;

Demolition of Chinese monument in Panama sparks Beijing anger

As China intensified military pressure on Taiwan by launching large-scale live fire drills around the island, the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed its stand on the issue and reiterated that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China and said Moscow firmly opposes any form of independence for Taiwan. Describing Russia's standing on the issue, Lavrov emphasised that "the Taiwan problem is an internal affair of China and Beijing has every right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said in an Interview with TASS as quoted by ANI.&nbsp;He stressed that debates around Taiwan are often conducted "in isolation from reality and by manipulating facts," adding that the wider context is frequently overlooked in international discussions.&nbsp;Lavrov pointed out that several countries, despite publicly committing to the One-China policy, keep supporting the status quo, adding that such an approach highlights "their disagreement with the principle of China's national reunification."&nbsp;Taiwan is increasingly being used as an instrument of military strategic deterrence against Beijing, and some Western nations, particularly the United States, seek benefits from Taipei's financial resources, including the costly weapon sales.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-on-brink-conflict-deaths-rise-73-in-2025-report-says-1767005670051">Pakistan on brink: Conflict and terror-related deaths rise 73% in 2025, report says</a>&nbsp;Reiterating the Kremlin's long-standing position, Lavrov underlined that Russia's support for China on the Taiwan issue is written into the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation signed between Moscow and Beijing in July 2001.&nbsp;China's aggressive military posturing against Taipei comes just 11 days after the United States approved $11.1 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, the largest weapons package ever approved for the island.<h2>Chinese drills cause flight delays in Taiwan</h2>Taiwan has warned that more than 100,000 air passengers could face delays due to live-fire drills launched by China around the island on Monday. The Civil Aviation Administration said scheduled flights would be affected, including about 296 international departures, nearly 265 international arrivals and roughly 296 transit flights. The agency added that the disruptions are expected to snarl travel plans for over 100,000 passengers.

Russia's comments came amid the Chinese military’s live-fire drills around Taiwan, sharply escalating military pressure. Beijing adopted an aggressive posture just 11 days after the US approved an $11.1 billion arms sale.

As China intensified military pressure on Taiwan by launching large-scale live fire drills around the island, the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed its stand on the issue and reiterated that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China and said Moscow firmly opposes any form of independence for Taiwan. Describing Russia's standing on the issue, Lavrov emphasised that "the Taiwan problem is an internal affair of China and Beijing has every right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said in an Interview with TASS as quoted by ANI. He stressed that debates around Taiwan are often conducted "in isolation from reality and by manipulating facts," adding that the wider context is frequently overlooked in international discussions. Lavrov pointed out that several countries, despite publicly committing to the One-China policy, keep supporting the status quo, adding that such an approach highlights "their disagreement with the principle of China's national reunification." Taiwan is increasingly being used as an instrument of military strategic deterrence against Beijing, and some Western nations, particularly the United States, seek benefits from Taipei's financial resources, including the costly weapon sales. Also Read: Pakistan on brink: Conflict and terror-related deaths rise 73% in 2025, report says Reiterating the Kremlin's long-standing position, Lavrov underlined that Russia's support for China on the Taiwan issue is written into the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation signed between Moscow and Beijing in July 2001. China's aggressive military posturing against Taipei comes just 11 days after the United States approved $11.1 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, the largest weapons package ever approved for the island. Chinese drills cause flight delays in Taiwan Taiwan has warned that more than 100,000 air passengers could face delays due to live-fire drills launched by China around the island on Monday. The Civil Aviation Administration said scheduled flights would be affected, including about 296 international departures, nearly 265 international arrivals and roughly 296 transit flights. The agency added that the disruptions are expected to snarl travel plans for over 100,000 passengers.

Russia's comments came amid the Chinese military’s live-fire drills around Taiwan, sharply escalating military pressure on the island nation. Beijing adopted an aggressive posture just 11 days after the US approved an $11.1 billion arms sale.

Amid escalating tensions, FM Lavrov reaffirms Russia’s support for Beijing, says Taiwan is integral part of China

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China’s $100 billion in loans at stake in Venezuela after US captures Maduro

Demolition of Chinese monument in Panama sparks Beijing anger

Russia reaffirms support for Beijing, calls Taiwan part of China amid tensions