Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun reiterated a statement made earlier by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to his Venezuelan counterpart in a telephone conversation the previous day.

“China opposes all acts of unilateralism and bullying, and supports countries in defending their sovereignty and national dignity. Venezuela has the right to independently develop mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries,” he said.

The spokesman added that the international community “can understand and support Venezuela’s position of protecting its legitimate rights and interests.”

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro warned UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres about the escalating threats against his country by the United States and their serious implications for regional peace.

Numerous organizations and countries have denounced the naval blockade and the forced appropriation of Venezuelan resources, announced by US President Donald Trump, as an act of international aggression.

Beijing has repeatedly reiterated its categorical opposition to interference by external forces in Venezuela’s internal affairs under any pretext, while also rejecting the use or threat of force against the South American country.

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