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14:01 GMT
BEIJING, Jan 7 (KUNA) -- China said on Wednesday it strongly condemned what it described as a US demand that Venezuela give Washington priority in oil cooperation.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a press briefing, commenting on reports that the US asked Venezuela to cut economic ties with China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba, and to work only with Washington on oil production.
Quoted by Xinhua News Agency, Mao said Venezuela is a sovereign country with full permanent control over its natural resources and economic activity, underlining the need to protect the legitimate rights and interests of China and other countries there.
Responding to comments by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the Western Hemisphere belongs to the US and that US President Donald Trump would not allow threats to US security, Mao said drawing "spheres of influence" and creating geopolitical confrontation will not make any country safer or bring peace and stability to the world.
US reports said the Trump administration told Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez that Venezuela's capital of Caracas should enter an exclusive partnership with the US in oil production and give Washington preference when selling oil. (end)
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