China’s only direct air service to Venezuela has been impacted as officials in Beijing continue to denounce Washington’s missile bombardment of Caracas and abduction of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores on 3 January.
The biweekly Caracas-bound Conviasa flight due to depart Guangzhou yesterday was cancelled after what the state-owned Venezuelan airline called “force majeure.” Airline officials told the Global Times that the service was scrapped owing to “an unstable international situation and security considerations.”
China Daily reports that a flight by the carrier to Guangzhou from the Venezuelan capital landed on Sunday as normal, with the next scheduled for 16 January. Intending travellers, however, are asked to follow updates.
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The disruptions come as Beijing emphasises that it is “gravely concerned” over Washington’s violations of international law following the US attack on the South American country, which holds the world’s largest oil reserves.
China has formally demanded that Washington ensure Maduro and his wife’s safety, “release them at once,” and “stop toppling the government of Venezuela,” urging a resolution through dialogue.
The UN Security Council also met yesterday, with Secretary‑General António Guterres warning that the US action set a “dangerous precedent” and calling for respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty. Many members – including some US allies – used the meeting to criticise the attack.
