Beijing Condemns Trump's Gunboat Diplomacy After China-Bound Tanker Seizure

China has strongly criticized the United States for seizing oil tankers carrying Venezuelan crude, calling the actions a violation of international law. The U.S. intercepted the Centuries, a tanker loaded with sanctioned Venezuelan oil and bound for China, using a false name. Beijing insists Venezuela has the right to trade with other nations and opposes unilateral sanctions. China's foreign ministry spokesperson condemned the U.S. actions, emphasizing China's opposition to illegal sanctions. The seized vessel contained 1.8 million barrels of crude oil, underscoring the ongoing trade between China and Venezuela. The U.S. claims the tanker was part of Venezuela's "shadow fleet" and falsely flagged. This seizure follows another earlier this month, the VLCC Skipper, and another tanker is reportedly being pursued. These actions align with a foreign policy strategy aimed at destabilizing the Venezuelan government. The strategy seeks to disrupt financial flows and weaken Cuba as well. Venezuela's oil exports to China are a significant, if not primary, source of revenue for Venezuela.