China’s foreign ministry criticised the United States for the seizure of oil tankers near Venezuela, calling the actions a serious violation of international law and opposing what it described as unilateral and illegal sanctions. Beijing said Venezuela has the right to develop relations with other countries as reports emerged that a sanctioned oil tanker was intercepted in international waters.

At the same time, China said it is actively mediating between Cambodia and Thailand, urging restraint and dialogue as border clashes between the two Southeast Asian neighbours enter a third week. A Chinese envoy has been deployed to the region to promote de-escalation ahead of talks between defence officials.

China also urged Japan to cease what it called provocative actions on nuclear weapons, following remarks reported in Japanese media about nuclear deterrence. Beijing warned such rhetoric reflects dangerous remilitarisation trends amid already strained regional relations.

#China
#USChina
#Venezuela