Beijing, January 12 (Reporters Huang Yuqin and Zeng Yue) – Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning hosted a regular press conference on January 12.
A reporter asked: Recent reports indicate that US President Trump stated during a meeting with oil industry executives at the White House that China and Russia can only purchase Venezuelan crude oil under US control. He also claimed that if the US does not "take over" Venezuela's oil industry, China or Russia will. Furthermore, reports suggest that one of the US's objectives in its actions in Venezuela is to send a message to China, attempting to pressure China to distance itself from the Americas and weaken energy cooperation between China and Venezuela. What is China's comment on this?
Mao Ning: Latin American countries are all sovereign and independent nations, and have the right to choose their partners independently. No matter how the situation changes, China will continue to deepen pragmatic cooperation with Latin American countries, including Venezuela, to promote common development. (End)
