Nicolás Maduro Says Ongoing U.S. Blockade Will Serve as a 'Test' for Venezuela to Break Free From Oil Dependence

Venezuela's authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro has suggested that the recent seizures of oil tankers carried out by the U.S. military could be a blessing in disguise.

The United States stepped up its military campaign in South America this month and began targeting oil tankers that the Trump administration claims are used to finance "drug terrorism, human trafficking, murder and kidnapping."

As U.S. officials continue targeting Venezuelan oil tankers allegedly linked to a so-called dark fleet used primarily to transport oil to China and evade U.S. sanctions, Maduro said Washington's actions represent a "test" for Venezuela to break free from its dependence on oil and emerge as a stronger economy.

As reported by EFE, Maduro said he thanked God for the current situation, arguing that it is what Venezuela needed "to make an economic leap" and become independent from oil, which remains the backbone of the country's economy.

"I know what I am saying. I thank God for putting me through this test, but this is a test we are also going to overcome, and we will come out stronger as an economy and as a sovereign country," Maduro said during a public appearance broadcast on state television.

Maduro's comments came just days after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly said that Venezuela took oil from the United States and that he wants it back. Trump said he has not decided what to do with the seized oil, but ruled out returning it for now.

"Maybe we'll sell it," Trump said. "Maybe we'll keep it in the strategic reserves. We're keeping the ships, also."

As tensions continue to rise between Washington and Caracas, Venezuela's National Assembly approved a law on Dec. 22 aimed at guaranteeing freedom of navigation and trade in response to what it describes as a U.S. blockade against sanctioned oil tankers. The measure also includes penalties of up to 20 years in prison for those who support actions the Maduro government considers acts of piracy.

"The law is structured in two chapters and 11 articles, and its main objective is to guarantee freedom of navigation and trade in goods protected by international treaties ratified by Venezuela," lawmaker Giuseppe Alessandrello said, according to EFE.

According to Alessandrello, the new law seeks to "protect the national economy and prevent the erosion of living standards" as the United States increases pressure on the Venezuelan government following the military deployment ordered in the Caribbean last August under the banner of fighting drug trafficking organizations.

Maduro says Venezuela will honor current oil deals

During his Dec. 22 public appearance, Maduro also said Venezuela will honor its current contracts with oil company Chevron "rain or shine," adding that regardless of the political situation, the country will uphold its agreements with oil companies despite the Trump administration's ongoing blockade.

"Beyond any circumstantial or temporary conflicts we may have with the administration, Chevron's contract will be honored to the letter. We are serious people because we are dignified people," Maduro said, referring to the oil company, which continues to operate in Venezuela under a special license.