China-Venezuela commercial cooperation benefits two peoples: FM

BEIJING, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Tuesday that China-Venezuela commercial cooperation is in the interests of the two countries and peoples, rejecting views that Chinese capital in Venezuela may have an impact on its politics.

So far in 2012, China and Venezuela have conducted a series of financial cooperation projects based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit. Relevant funds have mainly gone to Venezuelan projects in agriculture, infrastructure and energy, as well as joint programs between the two countries' enterprises, Hong said.

"The aforementioned cooperation is commercial in nature and in the interests of the two countries and peoples. The claims that Chinese capital influences politics in Venezuela are totally groundless," Hong said.

Hong's comment was made in response to a journalist's question on whether the large amounts of credit given to Venezuela by Chinese banks in recent years may influence Venezuelan election results and whether China's state-owned enterprises have violated Venezuelan regulations on working hours, conditions and safety.

The Chinese government has always supported and required Chinese enterprises investing abroad to comply with local laws and regulations, respect local customs and have equal and mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries, Hong said.

"Chinese enterprises in Venezuela also abide by the aforementioned principles," Hong said.

Most viewed commentaries
Internationalization of Diaoyu issue cannot make water muddy	Greater co-op with China will bring more benefits to US	3 questions for Japan: Intention of 'buying Diaoyu Islands'
How should we protect Diaoyu Islands?	Diaoyu Islands issue tests U.S. political wisdom	Why was the U.S. ambassador killed in Libya?