China ratifies cooperation with Venezuela in face of US threats

China ratified on Friday to continue its economic cooperation with Venezuela although the United States threatened to sanction countries and companies that do business with the South American country in the oil sector.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that no matter how much the situation changes, the exchanges between Beijing and Caracas will go ahead because they are based on the principle of mutual benefit, equality and are in accordance with relevant laws.

Venezuela is China's important partner in Latin America and its cooperation projects favor both nations, Zhao said.

International press reports informed that the state-owned oil company Petroleos de Venezuela resumed crude oil shipments to China, after a halt started in August 2019 due to US sanctions.