China says US is bullying Venezuela to get exclusive oil collaboration

(MENAFN) China has strongly criticized a reported U.S. demand that Venezuela enter into an “exclusive partnership” in the oil sector, calling the move a clear example of coercive diplomacy that undermines Venezuelan sovereignty and violates international law.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters that Venezuela is a sovereign nation with full and permanent authority over its own oil resources and related economic activity. She said the U.S. approach – which includes pressing Venezuela to favor American interests in oil production and sales – amounts to a “typical bullying act.”

“The US’ blatant use of force against Venezuela and asking the country to favor America when handling its own oil resources is a typical bullying act, seriously violating international law, and Venezuela’s sovereignty,” Mao said, adding: “China condemns that.”

Mao also stressed that China and other nations have legitimate economic interests in Venezuela, which deserve protection. She noted that cooperation agreements between Beijing and Caracas are concluded between two sovereign states and are safeguarded under both domestic and international legal frameworks.

She emphasized that Washington’s demand constitutes “a violation of international law and the sovereignty of Venezuela,” and that “Venezuela is a sovereign state and has full permanent sovereignty over its oil resources and economic activities.”

China’s response reflects broader frustration over U.S. pressure on Venezuela in recent days, including reported demands that Caracas cut economic ties with China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba as part of any expanded oil cooperation with Washington. In Beijing’s view, such demands threaten established principles of sovereign equality and non-interference.

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