China's legitimate interests in Venezuela must be protected: FM spokesperson

BEIJING, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela is a sovereign state that possesses full and permanent sovereignty over its natural resources and all economic activities within its territory, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday.

The legitimate rights and interests of other countries in Venezuela, including those of China, must be protected, Mao stressed.

The spokesperson said China strongly condemns the United States' military operation against Venezuela and the U.S. demand of "America First" when it comes to Venezuela's dealing with its own oil resources.

The U.S. move, a typical act of bullying, seriously violates international law, infringes upon Venezuela's sovereignty, and undermines the rights of the Venezuelan people, she said at a regular news briefing. ■