China on Friday urged the United States to stop human rights violations against the Venezuelan people, saying the U.S.'s unilateral coercive measures have caused great damage to innocent people.

Speaking at the 49th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Minister Jiang Duan of the Chinese Mission said China appreciates the Venezuelan government's efforts and achievements in promoting and protecting human rights, and respects the path of human rights development independently chosen by the Venezuelan people. He stressed that human rights should not be used as a political tool for interference in others' internal affairs or even regime change.