projects in the Latin American nation, including in oil ventures.

The country is estimated to have supplied more than $62bn in loans since 2007 - a third of which is reportedly outstanding.

image copyright Getty Images image caption President Xi Jinping pledged to help Venezuela

In September last year, President Xi Jinping promised to "provide whatever help it can offer" to the struggling nation - and extended another $5bn credit line.

Responding to escalating tensions, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying called on "all parties to remain rational and keep calm" to reach a peaceful political settlement.

"China opposes foreign forces from interfering into Venezuela affairs," she said, clarifying their support of Mr Maduro.

Both China and Russia serve as permanent members, with veto powers, at the UN Security Council.

After the crisis was broughtup at the UN by the US, both countries' ambassadors criticised international interference in Venezuela's internal affairs.

Cuba

Cuba is also a strong supporter of Mr Maduro's position as president.

With similar ideologies, the two countries are allies whose governments have become increasingly interdependent across the last two decades.

image copyright AFP image caption A billboard in Havana shows the close friendship between Castro and Chavez

Venezuela has reportedly subsidised oil exports to Cuba in exchange for support in areas like medicine and military advisors.

Luis Almagro, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), likened the depth of Cuba's military support to Venezuela as an "occupation army" - estimating the number is as high as 15,000.

At the Security Council, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Cuba of having "directly made