China on Sunday called on the United States to release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife at once.

A Foreign Ministry spokesperson made the remarks in response to the capture of Maduro and his wife by the US on Saturday. The pair were subsequently taken from Caracus to New York to face trial.

"China expresses grave concern over the US forcibly seizing Maduro and his wife and taking them out of the country," the spokesperson said in a statement, adding that the US move is in clear violation of international law, basic norms in international relations, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

"China calls on the United States to ensure the personal safety of Maduro and his wife, release them at once, stop toppling the government of Venezuela, and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation," the spokesperson said. (Xinhua)