China Firmly Rejects U.S. Offer to Transfer Venezuelan Oil, Insisting President Nicolás Maduro Be Released Immediately and Unconditionally after Donald Trump’s Military Action in Venezuela and Abducting its president

China Rejects U.S. Offer of Venezuelan Oil, Demands Immediate Release of President Maduro

China has firmly rejected a reported U.S. offer involving access to Venezuelan oil, insisting instead on the immediate and unconditional release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, according to officials familiar with Beijing’s position.

In a statement issued through state media and diplomatic channels, Chinese authorities said they would not accept any proposal that ties economic or energy arrangements to what they described as the “illegal detention” of a sitting head of state. Beijing emphasized that Venezuela’s natural resources belong to the Venezuelan people and cannot be used as leverage in political or military disputes.

“The issue at hand is not oil or economic benefit,” a Chinese foreign policy spokesperson said. “It is a matter of international law, national sovereignty, and the basic principles of the United Nations Charter. President Nicolás Maduro must be released immediately.”

The U.S. offer, which sources say was aimed at easing global energy pressures while seeking cooperation from Beijing amid the Venezuela crisis, was swiftly dismissed by Chinese officials. Beijing accused Washington of attempting to legitimize what it called an unlawful intervention by offering access to Venezuela’s oil reserves in exchange for diplomatic concessions.

China has repeatedly condemned U.S. military actions in Venezuela and the capture of President Maduro, describing them as violations of international law and a dangerous precedent. The Chinese government warned that normal diplomatic and economic discussions cannot proceed while Maduro remains in detention.

Analysts say China’s stance reflects broader concerns among major powers about sovereignty and the use of force. Beijing has aligned itself with calls from several countries for de-escalation and a negotiated resolution, while urging international institutions to take a more active role in addressing the crisis.

The rejection of the oil offer also underscores China’s effort to project itself as a defender of international norms, even as tensions with Washington continue to rise over Venezuela, global energy markets, and geopolitical influence.

As diplomatic pressure builds, the Maduro detention remains a flashpoint, with China making clear that any path forward must begin with his release.