"China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Wednesday criticised fresh US comments on Venezuela, after the Trump administration pressed Caracas to sever economic ties with China and other partners and establish an exclusive oil partnership with the United States. “The United States' blatant use of force against Venezuela and its demand that Venezuela prioritise ‘America First’ in managing its oil resources constitute typical bullying behaviour, a serious violation of international law, a grave infringement on Venezuela's sovereignty, and a serious violation of the rights of the Venezuelan people,” Mao told reporters at a daily press conference in Beijing. The US reportedly called on Venezuela to sever its economic and military ties with China, Russia, Iran and Cuba, establish an exclusive oil partnership with Washington, and prioritise American buyers for its heavy crude oil. “China strongly condemns this. I want to emphasise that the legitimate rights and interests of China and other countries in Venezuela must be protected,” Mao added. When asked about reports that the US is considering military action to seize Greenland, the spokesperson said China has consistently called for relations between countries to be guided by the principles of the UN Charter. Mao also noted that China would jointly safeguard peace and stability in the region. “Regardless of how the situation changes, we will continue to be friends with Latin American and Caribbean countries and develop cooperation with them. We will continue to support each other on issues involving core interests and major concerns such as national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity,” she noted. During the briefing, Mao Ning also commented on South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s statement that he had exchanged views with Chinese leaders on the North Korean nuclear issue, and addressed China's strengthening of export controls on dual-use items to Japan."