China Condemns U.S. Seizures Of Tankers Near Venezuela: 'Serious Violation Of International Law'

Images of Venezuelan oil tanker seized by the U.S. Pam Bondi's official X account

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday condemned the seizure of a tanker off the Venezuelan coast that was headed to the Asian country as Washington further escalates pressure on the Maduro regime.

Concretely, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said in a daily briefing that Beijing opposes all "unilateral and illegal" sanctions.

Reuters detailed that the tanker seized in international waters on Saturday, called Centuries, was carrying about 1.8 million barrels of Venezuelan crude and was headed to China. It had loaded the cargo under the false name "Crag."

The White House claimed that the "falsely flagged vessel" was carrying sanctioned oil and was part of Venezuela's shadow fleet.

China had already taken aim at the U.S. after President Donald Trump announced a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving the South American country.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed Beijing's opposition to actions that infringe on national sovereignty during a phone call Wednesday with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, according to a Chinese foreign ministry readout cited by Reuters.

The official said China supports countries in safeguarding their "sovereignty and national dignity," but did not name the United States or specify how China might assist Venezuela.

China is Venezuela's largest crude buyer, with Venezuelan oil accounting for about 4% of Chinese imports and December shipments expected to average more than 600,000 barrels per day, according to analysts. Beijing has previously extended credit to Caracas through oil-backed loans, though recent support has been more limited.

Russia has also warned Washington against the blockade, calling it a threat to international shipping, adding that the move could have "unpredictable consequences" for the Western Hemisphere, while reaffirming political support for President Nicolás Maduro. The White House said it was not concerned about Russia's stance.

Moreover, the UN Security Council will meet this week at the request of the Venezuelan regime to discuss the "ongoing U.S. aggression."