China has called on the United States to release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife at once and stop toppling the government of Venezuela, the Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.

Reports emerged on Saturday that the US had deployed forces to seize Maduro and his wife and forcibly take them out of the country, igniting widespread opposition from multiple countries.

In an online statement, China expressed grave concern over the US' move, describing it as a clear violation of international law, basic norms in international relations, and the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.

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The spokesperson called on Washington to ensure the personal safety of Maduro and his wife, and urged that issues be resolved through dialogue and negotiation.