Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed the Asian giant's concern on Monday over the operation launched by the United States in Venezuelan territory that resulted in the capture of Nicolas Maduro, and demanded the immediate release of the deposed leader. He also warned that Washington's use of force poses a risk to peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean. Lin noted that Beijing is very concerned about Maduro's capture and called on the United States to "guarantee his personal safety" while he is outside Venezuela and to proceed with his "immediate release." The spokesperson indicated that what happened “clearly violates international law and the basic norms governing international relations,” as well as contravening “the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.” He also accused the United States of resorting to a “blatant use of force” against a sovereign country and of carrying out actions that, according to Beijing, “undermine Venezuela's sovereignty,” while also “threatening peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean,” a region that China considers a “zone of peace.” He has reiterated his country's opposition to the use or threat of force in international relations. China does not want to be the “world's policeman.” Lin added that his country “supports the UN Security Council convening an emergency meeting” to address the situation and endorsed the body fulfilling its responsibilities under its mandate. He also stressed that Beijing remains willing to deepen its relationship with Venezuela, and that China's "legitimate interests" in the South American country "will continue to be protected in accordance with the law." A day earlier, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had said that his country would not accept anyone assuming the role of "world judge." "We have never considered that any country can act as the 'world's policeman,' nor do we accept that any nation can claim to be the 'world's judge'; the sovereignty and security of all states must be fully protected by international law," Wang asserted.