China and Russia have reiterated their support for Venezuela as the U.S. intensifies pressure on President Nicolás Maduro, executing missile attacks on Venezuelan boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking and targeting of US-sanctioned oil tankers exporting crude from the Bolivarian Republic to a limited number of buyers, The Guardian reported.
Thus, China, Venezuela’s largest oil customer, criticized the interception of a China-bound oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast, calling the seizure a violation of international law and opposing what it described as unilateral sanctions. Beijing also said that Caracas has the right to maintain relations with any country it wants.
Russia, another key ally of Maduro, likewise condemned Washington’s actions. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed concern over escalating tensions in the Caribbean and reaffirmed Russia’s solidarity with the Venezuelan government.
Meanwhile, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump continues to increase pressure on Venezuela, highlighting new «Trump-class» vessels and warning Maduro against «playing tough.» In response, the Venezuelan president said the U.S. would be better off focusing on its domestic issues rather than threatening his country.
