The Government of China publicly condemned the actions of the United States against oil tankers operating in the Caribbean Sea, calling them a “theft” and a direct violation of international law. The complaint was made by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guo Jiakun, who rejected the unilateral sanctions imposed by Washington.
Beijing affirmed that these measures, justified under the argument of sanctioning third countries, violate the sovereignty of the affected States and alter the functioning of maritime and energy trade in the region.
The Chinese authorities warned that these types of actions not only harm the designated countries, but also generate instability in global energy markets and affect international economic security, especially in the Caribbean.
China demands respect for the UN Charter
The Chinese Government urged the United States to abandon unilateral sanctions and respect the principles established in the United Nations Charter, stressing that it will continue to defend an international order based on rules and mutual respect between States.
According to Beijing, Washington is once again resorting to economic pressure and the extraterritorial use of its legislation as a foreign policy tool, a practice they consider incompatible with international law and regional stability.
Impact on maritime and energy trade
China warned that US sanctions and coercive actions seriously affect maritime trade, hinder energy transportation and generate uncertainty in global markets.
The Asian country reiterated that it will continue to advocate for international cooperation and the protection of the sovereignty of States against measures that it described as arbitrary and illegal.
Nations such as Iran also described the event as state piracy, during a statement issued by the spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esmaeil Baqaei, emphasized that Washington’s decision to assault commercial ships belonging to other countries represents an explicit disregard for international law.
The spokesperson stressed that this measure is a flagrant violation of the principles that govern the safety and protection of international navigation. Furthermore, he stated that invoking US internal laws and illegal sanctions to justify these actions cannot alter the illegal and criminal nature of this “armed robbery in the mar”.
