Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian

The arbitrary detention of a foreign vessel by the US is a serious violation of international law. China firmly opposes illegal unilateral sanctions imposed without a basis in international law or authorization from the UN Security Council, as well as any actions that violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and infringe upon other countries' sovereignty and security, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday when asked to comment on US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's confirmation that the US Coast Guard apprehended an oil tanker in the early hours of Saturday local time, and White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly's claim that the vessel was "operating as part of the Venezuelan shadow fleet to traffic stolen oil."

Lin added that Venezuela has the right to independently develop mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries, and said he believes that the international community understands and supports Venezuela's position in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests.

Global Times