Handout picture released by the Venezuelan Presidency showing Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro (center) attending during the promotion ceremony of members of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) at the Military school in Caracas, Venezuela on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

US sanctions on China's National Electronics Import & Export Corporation (CEIEC) for allegedly "supporting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's efforts to undermine democracy" is suppression of Chinese companies under false pretenses, China's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. 

China's cooperation with Venezuela is in line with international rules under the principles of mutual development and should not be politicized, Hua Chunying, spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry said, adding that China will take necessary measures to protect the rights of Chinese companies. 

On Monday, the US imposed sanctions on Chinese firm CEIEC, claiming that it was supporting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's efforts to undermine democracy.

According to a statement released by the US Treasury Department, CEIEC is accused of supporting Maduro in its "efforts to restrict internet services and conduct digital surveillance and cyber operations against political opponents".

"The United States will not hesitate to target anyone helping to suppress the democratic will of the Venezuelan people and others around the world," the statement read. 

CEIEC did not immediately respond to a request for comment when contacted by the Global Times. 

CEIEC is a Chinese trading company providing electronics systems specializing in engineering and defense, according to their company website. According to the statement by the US Treasury, CEIEC has been providing software and technical expertise to Venezuelan government entities, including its state communications company Venezuelan National Telephone Company (CANTV).

Global Times