Chinese President Xi Jinping has congratulated Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on his presidential reelection, according to state media.
In his message, Xi reiterated ties of friendship and praised Maduro’s leadership.
He said, “China will, as always, firmly support Venezuela’s efforts to safeguard national sovereignty, national dignity and social stability, and firmly support Venezuela’s just cause of opposing external interference.”
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, added: “All parties should respect the choices of the Venezuelan people… We believe that the (Venezuelan) government and people are capable of handling their own internal affairs.”
This stance contrasts with the criticism and doubt expressed by some Latin American leaders and the United States, who have questioned the legitimacy of Maduro’s win.
The opposition in Venezuela has also disputed the election results, citing voting-tally proof of their own victory, and anti-government protests have erupted nationwide.