China Voices Support for Venezuela as U.S. Pursues Third Oil Tanker

The United States Coast Guard is pursuing a third Venezuelan oil tanker off the country’s coast, as both China and Russia voice support for Venezuela.

On Monday, China condemned the US actions as a “serious violation of international law”. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing opposes “any actions that violate the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and infringe upon the sovereignty and security of other countries.”

Lin added that Venezuela has the right to pursue independent development and trade. “China understands and supports Venezuela’s stance in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests,” he said.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said oil seized from two tankers would not be returned. “Maybe we’ll sell it. Maybe we’ll keep it. Maybe we will use it in the strategic reserves. We’re keeping it. We’re keeping the ships also,” Trump said.

The U.S. says its military buildup in the region is aimed at fighting drug trafficking, citing more than two dozen strikes on suspected trafficking vessels in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

Venezuela, however, denies any role in drug trafficking and argues that Trump is attempting to overthrow President Nicolás Maduro to gain control of the country’s oil reserves, which are the largest in the world.