China Says U.S. Seizure Of Ships ‘Serious Violation’ Of International Law

CHINA – China is accusing the United States of violating international law, after U.S. officials intercepted an oil tanker in international waters off Venezuela.

Beijing’s foreign ministry says arbitrary seizures of other countries’ ships are illegal and reiterated its opposition to unilateral sanctions.

U.S. and maritime security sources identified the vessel as Bella 1, a tanker on the U.S. Treasury’s sanctions list for its links to Iran.

The ship was reportedly empty and approaching Venezuela And had previously moved Venezuelan oil to China and carried Iranian crude.

The interception, The second in a weekend, Raised new questions about global supply and sent oil prices higher.