Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi answers questions at a press conference on China's foreign policy and relations on the sidelines of the second session of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China, March 8, 2019. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan)

BEIJING, March 8 (Xinhua) -- The rights of Latin American countries to develop normal relations with China must be respected, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Friday.

"The one-China principle is a widely recognized norm governing international relations and a general consensus accepted, recognized and practiced by the overwhelming majority of countries," Wang said at a press conference on the sidelines of the country's annual legislative session.

Latin American countries establishing and developing relations with China following the one-China principle conforms to the general tide of historic development and the progress of the times, he said.

"[This] is the correct choice in conformity with their own fundamental and long-term interests, and should not be subject to any groundless interference and accusation," Wang said.

The sovereignty and independence of Latin American countries should be respected. This is a basic norm of international law, and the internal affairs of any country should be determined by its own people, he added.

"External interference and sanctions will only exacerbate tensions and bring back the law of the jungle," Wang said, adding that there have been plenty of such lessons in history and they should not be repeated.

"We believe that the sovereignty and independence of every country are precious, and must be equally cherished and protected," he said.

China is ready to continue to support the search for a political solution among all sides of Venezuela through peaceful dialogue to maintain national stability and the people's security, Wang said.