China Condemns 'Arbitrary' U.S. Seizure of Russian-Flagged Tanker, Says It 'Seriously Violates International Law'

China condemned the United States for what it called the "arbitrary" seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker on the high seas, saying the move "seriously violates international law" and reflects the use of unilateral sanctions without United Nations authorization.

Speaking at a briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said China "opposes illegal and unilateral sanctions" and actions that infringe on the sovereignty and security of other countries. "The U.S. move of arbitrarily seizing other countries' vessels on the high seas seriously violates international law," she said.

The comments follow the U.S. seizure on Wednesday of the oil tanker Marinera, previously known as the Bella 1, in the North Atlantic Ocean. U.S. officials said the operation was carried out pursuant to a federal court warrant after the vessel was tracked by the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Munro. The Departments of Justice, Homeland Security and Defense coordinated the operation, according to U.S. Southern Command.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the action underscored that "the blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in full effect — anywhere in the world."

The tanker had been sanctioned by the United States in 2024 for operating within what Washington describes as a "shadow fleet" transporting illicit oil linked to Iran and Venezuela. After evading an attempted boarding in the Caribbean last month while flying the Guyanese flag, the vessel altered course into the Atlantic, repainted a Russian flag on its hull and re-registered under the name Marinera, according to ship-tracking data and U.S. officials.

Russia's Transport Ministry said the ship was sailing in international waters "under the state flag of the Russian Federation and in full compliance with the norms of international maritime law," citing the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Russian Foreign Ministry demanded the humane treatment and swift return of Russian crew members, while individual lawmakers described the seizure as piracy.

The seizure occurred roughly 190 miles south of Iceland after weeks of monitoring. U.S. officials said special operations forces boarded the vessel, with logistical support provided by the United Kingdom at Washington's request.

China, a major importer of Venezuelan crude, said such actions threaten freedom of navigation and the international legal order. Mao said Beijing opposes "any actions that violate the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter," adding that disputes over sanctions and enforcement should be addressed through multilateral mechanisms rather than force.