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China says non-interference in internal affairs over U.S., Venezuela row

Xinhua, March 11, 2015 Adjust font size:

China on Wednesday called on the United States and Venezuela to properly handle bilateral ties following increased tension between the two nations.

"China hopes both countries can handle their relations on the basis of equality, mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said at a daily news briefing.

"These international principles apply to all state-to-state relations," Hong said. "Adherence to these norms not only serves the interests of the two countries but also peace and stability in Latin America."

Hong's comment came after U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday declared a "state of emergency" as the situation in Venezuela constituted an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday night requested special decree powers to "defend the peace, sovereignty and development" of the South American nation in confrontation with what he called "imperialist aggressions" from the United States.

Obama issued an executive order to impose additional sanctions on Venezuelan officials over alleged human rights abuses and corruption.

Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister Delcy Rodriguez also announced via Twitter that his country recalled its charge d' affaires in Washington, Maximilien Arvelaiz, for consultations.

As an important country in Latin America, Venezuela's domestic affairs should be resolved by its people at their own will, Hong said, voicing confidence in its government and people's ability to maintain national stability and economic and social development.

The already strained relations between Washington and Caracas took a turn for the worse in recent weeks, following a resurgence in anti-government protests aimed at toppling President Nicolas Maduro's socialist administration. Maduro accused the U.S. of helping right-wing opposition in Venezuela plot his assassination and subsequent takeover of power. Endi