STORY: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro used an appearance on his radio show Con Maduro de Repente on Thursday (December 4) to reaffirm Venezuela’s sovereignty and highlight China’s political support amid heightened regional tensions.

Speaking during a light-toned segment in which he chatted with hosts, Maduro shifted to a more forceful message on national defense. “If we have to resort to armed struggle, it will be to fight for peace, for sovereignty, for our homeland,” he said, adding that he hoped the country would continue “as we are going."

Maduro also emphasized China’s diplomatic backing, claiming Beijing “publicly supports Venezuela’s right to exercise its sovereignty and to peace” as he tapped out notes on a metallophone.

His comments come as the United States intensifies military operations in the Caribbean and Pacific. Since early September, U.S. troops have carried out at least 21 strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats, killing more than 80 people, as President Donald Trump escalates pressure on Maduro’s government. Washington accuses Maduro of enabling drug trafficking, a charge the Venezuelan leader has repeatedly denied.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

VIDEO SHOWS: SOUNDBITES FROM VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT, NICOLAS MADURO

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT

SHOWS: CARACAS, VENEZUELA (DECEMBER 4, 2025) (VTV - Music must be cleared for use by client. Check with the applicable collecting society or rights holders regarding clearance of any sound recordings or performances.)

1. VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT, NICOLAS MADURO, COMING INTO STUDIO

2. WORKER APPROACHING MADURO WITH A TRAY OF CUPS / MADURO TAKING A CUP

3. MADURO SMILING, TAKING A SIP FROM HIS CUP / WOMAN WAVING

4. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT, NICOLAS MADURO, SAYING:

"If we have to resort to armed struggle, it will be to fight for peace, for sovereignty, for our homeland, for the greatness of Bolivar, to defend this land. I hope that with the favour of God and our Commander of Commanders, Our Lord Jesus Christ, we will continue as we are going. (MADURO USING ONOMATOPOEIAS AND SPEAKING IN ENGLISH) Ping pung pang, peace, peace, peace. Ping pung pang, world no war."

5. MADURO SPEAKING ON RADIO SHOW

6. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT, NICOLAS MADURO, SAYING:

"Well, in terms of diplomatic political cooperation, every day China publicly supports Venezuela's right to exercise its sovereignty and to peace." / MADURO PLAYING METALLOPHONE

7. MADURO PLAYING METALLOPHONE

8. MADURO AND RADIO SHOW HOSTS DANCING