Venezuela's Guaido extends olive branch to China

Venezuela's self-proclaimed president Juan Guaido has promised China he will honour bilateral agreements and said he was ready to start a dialogue with Beijing "as soon as possible".

Guaido's comments to the South China Morning Post, published Saturday, appear aimed at laying to rest questions over whether his political challenge to President Nicolas Maduro would disrupt ties with Venezuela's main creditor.

Maduro visited China in September, striking energy and gold mining deals as he sought Beijing's support for his crisis-hit nation.

"China's support will be very important in boosting our country's economy and future development," Guaido, the 35-year-old opposition leader, said in the email interview with the newspaper.

"Given its competitiveness and market, China is a fundamental global player with whom we would like to re-launch our relationship based on mutual respect and cooperation."
"We are ready to begin a constructive relationship and dialogue with China as soon as possible."