India, Jan. 4 -- China on Sunday demanded the immediate release of ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, urging the United States to stop any attempt to topple the government of the oil-rich South American nation.

In a statement, China's Foreign Ministry said it was "gravely concerned" by Washington's actions.

The statement added that the move violated international law and fundamental norms governing international relations.

"The US move is in clear violation of international law, basic norms in international relations, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter," it said. "China calls on the US to ensure the personal safety of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, release them at once, stop to...