China urges US to stop toppling' Venezuelan government, release Maduro

"China has called on the United States to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro after Washington carried out massive military strikes on the capital, Caracas, as well as other regions, and abducted the leader. Beijing on Sunday insisted the safety of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores be a priority, and called on the US to stop toppling the government of Venezuela, calling the attack a clear violation of international law."

"Mok told Al Jazeera that a Chinese delegation had met Venezuelan officials just hours before the US action, adding that Beijing was not surprised by Washington's move, given the scale of US strategic and economic interests in the region. What did stand out, he said, was how the operation was carried out, as it may represent the long-term US strategy in the region."

"China is Venezuela's largest buyer of oil, Mok added, although the country accounts for only 4-5 percent of its total oil imports. Beyond energy, he said, China has growing trade and investment interests across Latin America, meaning Beijing is paying close attention to political shifts in the region. Mok warned that if a future US administration were to revive a Monroe Doctrine-style policy, it could increase tensions with China, as Latin America is a pillar of China's Global South strategy."

China demanded the immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro after large-scale US military strikes and an alleged abduction, calling the operation a clear violation of international law and urging protection of Maduro and his wife. Beijing issued multiple strong statements condemning US use of force and urging adherence to the United Nations charter. A Chinese delegation met Venezuelan officials hours before the US action. China was not surprised by the US move given Washington's regional interests, but the operation's execution stood out and may signal a longer-term US strategy. China has significant economic ties in Latin America, including Venezuelan oil.

Read at www.aljazeera.com