Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Tuesday that China's lawful rights and interests in Venezuela must be protected.

Guo made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked whether a new oil agreement between the United States and Venezuela would affect China's existing investments in Venezuela.

"China has always maintained that relations between countries should be handled in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter," Guo said.

Economic and trade cooperation between countries should follow the principles of equality, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, he added.

Guo stressed that the cooperation between China and Venezuela is protected by international law and the laws of both countries, and China's lawful rights and interests in Venezuela must be protected.