China voices support for Venezuela, says it opposes 'unilateral bullying'

China opposes "unilateral bullying" and supports countries in safeguarding their own sovereignty, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Venezuelan counterpart on Wednesday, as U.S. President Donald Trump ramps up pressure on the South American country.

Wang said in a phone call with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil that China and Venezuela are strategic partners and that mutual trust and support are a tradition of bilateral ties, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement.

"China believes the international community understands and supports Venezuela's position in defending its legitimate rights and interests," he said.