Beijing, Jan. 7 -- China on Wednesday strongly condemned the United States' actions against Venezuela, branding Washington's demands and use of force over the South American nation as "bullying" that violates international law, infringes on the country's sovereignty, and undermines the rights of its people.

Addressing a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, when asked about the US administration urging Venezuela's acting president to sever economic ties with China, Russia, Iran and Cuba and partner exclusively with the US, said that such demands "seriously breach international law" and amount to coercion that threatens Venezuela's sovereign rights.

She emphasised that Venezuela is a sovereign state with permane...