Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning

The US side, disregarding President Nicolas Maduro's status as a head of state, openly indicted him at a domestic court and conducted a so-called "trial," which seriously violated Venezuela's sovereignty and seriously undermined the stability of international relations. No country should place its rules above international law, Chinese FM spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday when asked for comments on report that Maduro pleaded not guilty on all charges during his first appearance in a New York court on Monday, saying he is not guilty and is still president of his country. "The Chinese side urges the US to release President Maduro and his wife immediately and ensure their safety," Mao added.

President Maduro made his first court appearance Monday morning in New York after he was forcefully seized by US forces in his country, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Maduro has pleaded not guilty to all the charges he is faced with, US media reported. "I am not guilty," Maduro said in the court, "I am a decent man, I am president of my country," Maduro added, NBC reported.