China Condemns US “Arbitrary” Seizure of Venezuelan-Bound Ships
China on Monday criticized the United States for “arbitrarily seizing” vessels of other nations, calling the practice a violation of international law amid rising tensions in the Caribbean.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said in Beijing, “The US practice of arbitrarily seizing other countries’ vessels grossly violates international law. China opposes unilateral, illicit sanctions that have no basis in international law or authorization from the United Nations Security Council.”
The remarks came as US forces pursued another Venezuelan oil tanker, the Panamanian-flagged Bella 1, which is sanctioned by Washington and en route to Venezuela to load oil. If seized, it would mark the third ship intercepted since December 10, following the boarding of the Centuries supertanker and the Skipper.
The incidents occur amid heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas. US President Donald Trump declared a “total and complete blockade” on sanctioned Venezuelan tankers, with Washington asserting the measures target corruption and drug trafficking. Venezuela, however, has denounced the actions as “international piracy” and accused the US of using anti-narcotics efforts to undermine President Nicolás Maduro and gain control of the country’s oil resources.
Lin emphasized, “We stand against any move that violates the purposes of the UN Charter and infringes upon other countries’ sovereignty and security, and all acts of unilateralism and bullying. Venezuela has the right to independently develop mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries, and we believe the international community can understand and support Venezuela’s stance of defending its own rights.”
