China respects the sovereignty and independence of Venezuela and remains committed to deepening bilateral cooperation across various fields, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday, Reuters reports.
Speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing, Spokesman Lin Jian responded to media queries about the Chinese government's interaction with the Venezuelan government currently led by acting President Delcy Rodriguez and about future bilateral cooperation, including in the oil sector.
"China respects Venezuela's sovereignty and independence, and believes that the Venezuelan government will properly handle its internal affairs in accordance with its constitution and laws," Lin said.
"The cooperation between China and Venezuela is cooperation conducted between two sovereign states, and is protected by international law and the laws of both countries. No matter how the political situation in Venezuela changes, China's willingness to deepen practical cooperation across various fields between the two countries will not change, and China's legitimate interests in Venezuela will also be protected in accordance with the law," said the spokesman.
Venezuela, home to the world's largest proven oil reserves, is currently experiencing serious political uncertainty after the United States launched a large-scale, pre-dawn military operation against the South American country on Saturday and illegally took Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, a move that has drawn worldwide condemnation and concern.
