BEIJING - The United States has disregarded Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's status as head of state by openly prosecuting and conducting a so-called "trial" in its domestic court, severely violating Venezuela's national sovereignty and undermining the stability of international relations, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

Spokesperson for the ministry Mao Ning told a regular news briefing that no country can place its own rules above international law, saying that China called on the United States to immediately release Maduro and his wife, and to ensure their personal safety.

Mao also stressed that no country can act as the world's police, nor can it claim the role of international judge.

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China consistently advocates for all countries to respect the right of other peoples to independently choose their own development path, to abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, with major countries especially taking the lead, she said.