Reports of US Raid on Maduro Ripple Through China, Stirring Political Speculation

As news of Maduro’s capture spreads, people say the episode has intensified debate over authoritarian rule and China’s own political future.

People celebrate the news of the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro after U.S. military actions in Venezuela in Doral, Fla., on Jan. 3, 2026. Giorgio Viera/AFP via Getty Images

News of the U.S. raid and capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has been allowed to circulate widely in China, triggering intense discussion and emotional reactions among Chinese netizens, according to interviews conducted by The Epoch Times.

Despite their differing perspectives, all described the news as inspiring and said it has heightened their hopes for political change in China.