On January 6, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning presided over a regular press conference. A reporter asked: Regarding the U.S. charges, Venezuelan President Maduro has pleaded not guilty, stating, “I was kidnapped from my home in Caracas,” “I am innocent and have done nothing wrong,” and “ I remain the President of Venezuela.” What is China’s comment on this? Mao Ning stated that the U.S. has disregarded Venezuelan President Maduro’s status as a head of state, openly filing charges and conducting a so-called trial in a domestic court, which seriously infringes upon Venezuela’s national sovereignty and severely undermines the stability of international relations. No country may place its own domestic rules above international law. China calls on the U.S. to immediately release President Maduro and his wife and ensure their personal safety. (Beijing Youth Daily)