BEIJING, July 30 (Reuters) – Chinese President Xi Jinping has congratulated Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on his re-election as president, state media reported on Tuesday, amid doubts and criticism expressed by some Latin American leaders and the United States.
China congratulates Venezuela's Maduro on re-election
According to electoral authorities, Maduro won a third term with 51% of the vote, extending a quarter-century of socialist rule. However, the opposition says it has proof from the vote that it won the election, while anti-government protests have broken out across the country, with police using tear gas to disperse demonstrators in the capital, Caracas.
In his message to Maduro, Xi reiterated the ties of friendship and said Maduro has led his government and people on a path of development in line with national conditions, the official Xinhua news agency reported.
“China will, as always, firmly support Venezuela's efforts to safeguard national sovereignty, national dignity and social stability, and firmly support Venezuela's just cause of resisting external interference,” Xi said.
