New Delhi, Jan. 4 -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's capture by US forces on Donald Trump's orders has sparked global criticism, including allegations of imperialism against Washington, which has openly declared its intention to let US firms develop the South American nation's vast oil reserves.

Among those who harshly criticized the US was China, and incidentally, Maduro's last appearance on state television prior to his capture showed him meeting Chinese officials.

Hours before the US launched Operation Absolute Resolve, Maduro was seen on state television meeting Qiu Xiaoqi, a special representative on Latin American affairs of the Xi Jinping-led Chinese government.

The meeting, as per the Andalou news agency, took place at th...