China Denounces Trump’s Move to Seize Control of Venezuelan Oil
China has issued a sharp and comprehensive condemnation of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent actions in Venezuela, labeling the move to seize control of the nation’s oil industry as "typical bullying" and a blatant violation of international law. Following the U.S. military’s "Operation Absolute Resolve"—which resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife—President Trump announced that the U.S. would effectively "run" the country and redirect the proceeds from up to 50 million barrels of "sanctioned oil" to accounts controlled by his administration.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that these actions constitute a grave infringement on Venezuelan sovereignty and the rights of its people, stressing that a sovereign state has full authority over its own mineral resources and economic activities. Beyond the ethical and legal objections, Beijing’s reaction is fueled by its massive economic stake in the region; as the largest buyer of Venezuelan crude and a major creditor with billions in outstanding loans, China is demanding that its legitimate rights and interests be protected.
The friction has intensified following reports that the Trump administration pressured the new interim government in Caracas to establish an exclusive energy partnership with the United States and expel Chinese, Russian, and Iranian economic influence. By framing the intervention as an "America First" resource grab, China argues that Washington is disregarding global trade norms, potentially destabilizing international oil markets and threatening the long-standing bilateral cooperation agreements between Beijing and Caracas.