China Says U.S. Seizure of Venezuela-Bound Tanker Is a “Serious Violation” of International Law
China on Monday condemned the United States’ recent seizure of foreign-flagged ships near Venezuela, calling it a “serious violation of international law” and escalating tensions over oil trade and maritime rights. The comments follow the high-profile interception of a tanker that was headed to China with Venezuelan crude, according to Reuters.
Beijing’s strong statement raises stakes in an already fraught geopolitical contest, as Washington intensifies pressure on President Nicolás Maduro’s government through sanctions and naval operations targeting Venezuela’s oil exports. China’s foreign ministry criticized the U.S. move at a daily press briefing, saying Washington’s actions infringed on the sovereign rights of other nations and opposed any “unilateral and illegal” sanctions.
U.S. authorities intercepted the Centuries off the Venezuelan coast, seizing roughly 1.8 million barrels of crude oil bound for Chinese refiners, Reuters reported. Panama had flagged the vessel, which was reportedly traveling under an alternate name before the interception. Venezuela likewise blasted the U.S. action as an act of piracy and has signaled plans to appeal to international legal bodies.
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These developments are part of a broader U.S. campaign that has included the earlier seizure of another sanctioned tanker and the declaration of a blockade on certain tankers trading with Venezuela. U.S. officials frame these measures as efforts to disrupt funding for illicit activities and enforce sanctions, while critics warn they could deepen global tensions and disrupt oil markets.
“Venezuela has the right to develop relations with other countries,” China’s foreign ministry spokesperson said, reiterating Beijing’s backing for Caracas and opposition to unilateral coercive measures.
Why does it matters?
China is one of Venezuela’s largest oil customers, and Beijing’s pushback could complicate U.S. sanctions enforcement and broader U.S.–China diplomatic ties.
What happens next?
International legal debates over maritime law, sanctions legitimacy and freedom of navigation are expected to play out at the UN and in global forums.
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