China has reacted sharply to explosive claims that U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, issuing a stern warning to Washington and demanding Maduro’s immediate release. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has condemned the alleged U.S. operation as a violation of international law, urging the United States to stop interfering in Venezuela’s sovereignty and to guarantee the safety of Maduro and his wife. But beyond diplomacy, massive strategic interests are now at risk. China has invested more than $100 billion in Venezuela through loans, energy projects, infrastructure development, space cooperation and technology partnerships. Venezuela also holds some of the world’s largest oil reserves — with much of its crude flowing directly to China.