China has called for the immediate release of the captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and decried the US's operation in Caracas as a breach of international law.
Beijing is gravely concerned by the capture of Mr Maduro and his wife and is closely following the security situation, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said during a press briefing on Monday. He added that China has maintained positive communication and co-operation with the Venezuelan government.
In the hours before Mr Maduro's capture, the Venezuelan leader was hosting a Chinese delegation in Caracas led by its special representative on Latin American affairs, Qiu Xiaoqi.
Footage showed the officials smiling together, oblivious to what was about to unfold.
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