China Condemns US Seizure Of Russian Oil Tanker, Calls It ‘Serious Violation’ Of International Law

China has criticised the United States for detaining foreign oil tankers in international waters, saying the actions violate international law. The criticism follows the US seizure of a Russian-flagged tanker in the North Atlantic and a second vessel in the Caribbean.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the arbitrary detention of ships belonging to other countries on the high seas constitutes a serious breach of international law.

She stated that China opposes unilateral sanctions that do not have a legal basis under international law or authorisation from the United Nations Security Council. She also said China opposes actions that violate the principles of the UN Charter or undermine the sovereignty and security of other nations.

The first vessel, previously named Bella 1, was seized in the North Atlantic after being tracked for around two weeks. The ship had attempted to evade a US blockade around Venezuela.

During the pursuit, it was renamed Marinera, repainted with a Russian flag, and re-registered from Guyana to Russia, reportedly in an effort to obtain diplomatic protection.

A second vessel, Sophia, was seized in the Caribbean shortly afterwards. The International Maritime Organisation said the ship’s flag state was unclear, while US officials provided conflicting accounts about which flag it was flying.

Russia’s foreign ministry urged the US to ensure the humane and dignified treatment of Russian citizens aboard the detained vessels. Russia’s Ministry of Transport said that no country has the right to use force against vessels properly registered under another nation’s jurisdiction.

US officials said the ships were detained for allegedly violating US sanctions on Venezuelan oil. The US European Command stated that the first tanker was seized due to sanctions violations.

Homeland Security officials said both vessels had either recently visited Venezuela or were heading there and claimed that “dark” or “ghost” fleets were being used to transport oil from sanctioned countries such as Venezuela, Russia and Iran to parts of Asia.

White House officials said the Bella 1 was considered stateless after allegedly flying a false flag.

The seizures come amid Washington’s efforts to assert control over Venezuela’s oil reserves following the removal of former president Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

US President Donald Trump has accused Venezuela of stealing US oil and said that up to 50 million barrels would be handed over to interim authorities, with proceeds controlled by him and used for the benefit of both countries.

China and Russia were both strong supporters of Maduro. China, the largest buyer of Venezuelan oil, has repeatedly criticised the US for what it describes as blatant violations of international law.

Beijing has said its legitimate interests in Venezuela must be protected and confirmed it remains committed to its energy partnership with the country, which has often operated through loans-for-oil arrangements settled in yuan to bypass US sanctions.

References: CGTN, SCMP

Source: Maritime Shipping News