On December 20, 2025, the US Coast Guard seized an oil tanker it said was part of a so-called 'shadow fleet'. This bold move prompted a swift response from Beijing, with China questioning the legality of the action. ⚓🚨
At a regular press briefing on Monday, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian declared that the arbitrary seizure of foreign vessels by the United States breaches international law. She emphasized that such actions lack United Nations Security Council authorization and violate the UN Charter's core principles.
'China always opposes illegal unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law and are not authorized by the United Nations Security Council. We also oppose any actions that infringe on the sovereignty and security of other countries or amount to acts of unilateral bullying,' Lin told reporters, calling the seizure a clear example of unfair power politics.
Lin also weighed in on Venezuela, affirming that Venezuela has the right to independently develop mutually beneficial cooperation with other nations. China believes the international community widely supports Venezuela’s stance in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests. 🤝
Why does this matter? For news enthusiasts and young professionals, the incident highlights growing tensions in global maritime operations and the debate over unilateral sanctions. It’s a reminder that behind every headline are complex legal and diplomatic battles. 📚🌐
As the world watches, calls for dialogue and respect for international law are likely to grow louder. Stay tuned as we keep an eye on how this story evolves! 🔍✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
