China Says US Seizure of Venezuelan Oil Tankers Threatens Global Energy Markets

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Beijing, International – The Chinese government on Friday strongly condemned the United States’ seizure of oil tankers carrying Venezuelan crude, which took place on December 10, 2025, and the subsequent enforcement of a maritime blockade on the South American nation’s energy shipments, warning that such unilateral actions pose a serious threat to global energy markets and create significant risks to international security amid escalating geopolitical tensions between Washington, Caracas, and Beijing.

The seizure on December 10, 2025, was carried out by US authorities against tankers transporting Venezuelan oil in the Caribbean region, citing enforcement of American economic sanctions imposed on the government of President Nicolás Maduro, whom Washington accuses of operating an illegitimate administration and engaging in transnational criminal activities. US officials claimed the shipments violated its sanctions regime and therefore fell under American legal jurisdiction, allowing interception and confiscation of the vessels.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a sharp response, describing the action as a serious violation of international law and freedom of navigation. Beijing reiterated its firm opposition to unilateral sanctions that lack approval from the international community and warned that interference with legitimate energy trade would disrupt global supply chains, increase price volatility, and intensify economic uncertainty worldwide.

As one of Venezuela’s largest oil buyers, China said the tanker seizure directly threatens global energy security, particularly in Asia, where demand for stable energy supplies remains critical. Chinese officials stressed that Venezuela remains a sovereign nation and a full member of the United Nations, and that its lawful oil exports should be protected under international law rather than undermined by the unilateral policies of any single country.

The Venezuelan government denounced the US action as “international piracy” and a grave violation of its national sovereignty. Officials in Caracas emphasized that no ruling from any international court nor any resolution of the United Nations has declared Venezuela’s government or its oil exports illegal, arguing that the seizure represents an act of aggression that endangers regional stability across Latin America and the Caribbean.

International law and maritime security experts warned that the confiscation of commercial vessels outside national waters without international authorization could constitute a breach of maritime law and establish a dangerous precedent in global commerce. They cautioned that continued enforcement of such measures risks escalating international disputes and weakening the foundations of the global trading system.

The crisis reflects the deepening confrontation between the United States and Venezuela, a rivalry that has intensified since the late 1990s and worsened under the presidencies of Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro, now expanding into a broader challenge for global energy security. As tensions rise between major powers including the US and China, the international community faces increasing pressure to pursue diplomatic solutions to prevent further disruption to global economic and political stability.