WASHINGTON — US House Republicans rejected a pair of Democratic-backed resolutions on Wednesday that would have put a check on President Donald Trump's power to use military force against drug cartels and the nation of Venezuela.

Democrats forced the votes using war powers resolutions as the Trump administration has stepped up threats against Caracas and Congress has questioned how the United States military is conducting a campaign that has destroyed 26 vessels allegedly carrying drugs and killed at least 99 people, including an attack on Wednesday.

The legislation would have forced the administration to seek authorization from Congress before continuing attacks against cartels that it deems to be terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere or launching an attack on Venezuela itself.

Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the aggressions in the region were really because "the president is coveting Venezuelan oil".

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said earlier on Wednesday that he did not know whether the Trump administration had "publicly stated" that they wanted regime change, but "I would certainly not have a problem if that was their position".

Also on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone call with his Venezuelan counterpart Yvan Gil, who briefed Wang on the current situation in Venezuela.

Gil said the government and people will firmly defend the country's sovereignty and independence.

Wang said China opposes all unilateral bullying and supports all countries in defending their sovereignty and national dignity.

China and Venezuela are strategic partners, and mutual trust and support are the cornerstones of bilateral ties, he said. "China believes the international community understands and supports Venezuela's position in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests."

Agencies - Xinhua