China says it respects Rodriguez taking office as Venezuela's acting president

In response to Delcy Rodriguez taking office as Venezuela's acting president, Beijing voiced its "respect" on Tuesday to the arrangements made by the Venezuelan government in accordance with the country's Constitution and laws.

Rodriguez, previously vice-president of Venezuela, was sworn in on Monday as the acting president of the country, after President Nicolas Maduro was taken by force during a US military operation against the South American nation, Xinhua News Agency reported.

"China respects Venezuela's sovereignty and independence, and respects the arrangements made by the Venezuelan government in accordance with the country's constitution and laws," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a daily news conference in Beijing on Tuesday.

When asked if China will call for sanctions against the US over the matter in Venezuela, Mao said, "We support the (United Nations) Security Council in fulfilling its primary responsibility to champion international peace and security."

"As a permanent member of the Security Council, the US has disregarded the serious concerns of the international community and trampled upon Venezuela's sovereignty, security and legitimate rights and interests. China firmly opposes this," she said.