Caracas: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is condemning pro-Tibet protests and backing China ahead of the Olympics in Beijing.
The socialist president accuses the US government of trying to "sabotage" the upcoming Olympic Games and of aiding protests focused on Tibet. Chavez says he will back China against what he sees as a "secessionist" attempt in Tibet.
The US considers Tibet a part of China and says it is concerned about violence in Tibet but will refrain from meddling in China's internal affairs.
Chavez spoke last night after meeting with Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu. Venezuelan and Chinese officials also signed cooperative accords.
