China, Russia side with Maduro as US backs Venezuela challenger

Venezuelans in Medellin, Colombia show support for opposition leader Juan Guaido's self-proclamation as acting president. [AFP]

The United States, Britain and major South American nations recognised opposition chief Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim leader Thursday but China and Russia threw their weight behind embattled President Nicolas Maduro.

Here are some of the key reactions after speaker of the Venezuelan parliament Guaido declared himself "acting president" on Wednesday.