JAKARTA - China expressed its support for Delcy Rodriguez, the interim leader of Venezuela, after President Nicolás Maduro was arrested in a US military intervention in Caracas, the capital of the South American country.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said his government respects the sovereignty and independence of Venezuela and respects the decision of the Venezuelan government in accordance with its constitution and national laws.
This was conveyed by Maosaat in response to a reporter's question about whether China recognized the interim government of Venezuela led by Rodriguez, as reported by the Global Times daily.
Rodriguez, vice president and oil minister, was officially sworn in as interim president on Monday, following a "large-scale" US military operation against Venezuela on Saturday last week.
In the operation, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were arrested and flown to the US to face criminal charges in a New York court.
When asked whether China would push for sanctions against the US over the military operation, Mao said the US had ignored the serious concerns of the international community and "arbitrarily trampled on the sovereignty, security, and legitimate rights and interests of Venezuela."
"China is firmly opposed to this. We support the UN Security Council in carrying out its primary responsibility in maintaining international peace and security," said Mao, quoted by ANTARA from Anadolu.
On Monday, Maduro and Flores faced a reading of the indictment led by Judge Alvin Hellerstein in New York.
Both have pleaded not guilty to US federal charges related to drug trafficking and alleged cooperation with a group designated as a terrorist organization.
Ma said the United States had ignored Maduro's status as head of state of Venezuela by openly demanding and holding a "trial" in US courts.
"This action is a serious violation of Venezuela's national sovereignty and undermines the stability of international relations," he said, as quoted by the Chinese news agency Xinhua.
"No country can put its own rules above international law," he said.
Previously, China condemned the US attack and urged President Donald Trump's administration to guarantee the safety and immediately release the president and first lady of Venezuela.
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