OREANDA-NEWS  China supports the convening by the UN Security Council of an emergency meeting on the events in Venezuela, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a briefing on Monday.

"China supports the convening of an emergency meeting by the UN Security Council in connection with the US military strikes on Venezuela and supports the Security Council in fulfilling its duties," the diplomat said.

Lin Jian added that China is ready to cooperate with the international community to resolutely comply with the UN Charter, adhere to the basic principles of international morality, and protect international justice and impartiality.

On January 3, the United States launched a massive attack on Venezuela, with President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores, captured and taken to New York. US President Donald Trump said that Maduro and Flores would stand trial because they were allegedly involved in "drug terrorism" and posed a threat, including to the United States.

Caracas has requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council in connection with the US operation, and the Venezuelan Supreme Court has temporarily assigned the duties of head of state to Vice President Delcy Rodriguez.

Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed solidarity with the people of Venezuela, called for the release of Maduro and his wife, as well as to prevent further escalation of the situation. Beijing followed Moscow in calling for the immediate release of Maduro and his wife, stressing that the US actions violate international law.