China has strongly criticised the United States for intercepting oil tankers linked to Venezuela, calling the move a serious breach of international law. Beijing said the action undermines global trade norms and infringes on the sovereign rights of other nations.
The remarks came after the US Coast Guard seized a China-bound oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela. The incident has added to growing tensions over Washington’s enforcement of sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports.
Beijing Defends Venezuela’s Right to Trade
Speaking at a regular press briefing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Venezuela has the right to develop relations with other countries. He stressed that China firmly opposes unilateral and illegal sanctions imposed without international approval.
Lin said the seizure of another country’s commercial vessels violates basic principles of international law. He added that such actions disrupt normal economic cooperation and threaten maritime security.
China has repeatedly argued that sanctions harm ordinary people and destabilise global energy markets. Beijing maintains that disputes should be resolved through dialogue rather than coercive measures.
US Intercepts China-Bound Oil Tanker
On Saturday, the US Coast Guard intercepted a second oil tanker in international waters off the Venezuelan coast. The action followed President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a “blockade” targeting sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela.
The tanker, identified as Centuries, was reportedly operating under a false name, “Crag.” Shipping documents showed the vessel was carrying around 1.8 million barrels of Venezuelan Merey crude oil destined for China.
The oil was purchased by Satau Tijana Oil Trading. The company is one of several intermediaries involved in sales by Venezuela’s state oil firm PDVSA to independent Chinese refiners.
A White House spokesperson said the vessel was falsely flagged and transporting sanctioned oil. US officials described it as part of Venezuela’s so-called shadow fleet, used to bypass sanctions.
Venezuela and China Push Back Against US Action
The Venezuelan government sharply condemned the interception. Officials described the move as a “serious act of international piracy.” Caracas has accused Washington of abusing its power and violating international maritime laws.
China is Venezuela’s largest crude oil buyer. Venezuelan oil accounts for roughly four percent of China’s total crude imports. Despite US sanctions, trade between the two countries has continued through intermediaries and alternative shipping arrangements.
Analysts warn that continued seizures could escalate diplomatic tensions and disrupt global energy flows. China has urged the United States to respect international law and stop actions that threaten freedom of navigation and lawful trade.
