China condemns U.S. push for exclusive oil partnership in Venezuela

(MENAFN) China on Wednesday denounced a U.S. demand that Venezuela enter into an “exclusive partnership” in the oil sector, describing the move as an act of pressure that violates both the country’s sovereignty and international law, according to official statements.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stressed that Caracas has full authority over its own resources, saying, “Venezuela is a sovereign state and has full permanent sovereignty over its oil resources and economic activities.”

Beijing’s response followed reports that Washington informed Venezuela’s interim leadership that it “must meet the White House's demands,” including conditions that Caracas “must agree to partner exclusively with the US on oil production and favor America when selling heavy crude oil.”

The same accounts said the United States also demanded that Venezuela "must kick out China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba and sever economic ties."

Mao criticized this approach, stating: “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,” adding, “China condemns that.”

She further emphasized China’s position in Venezuela, saying, “Let me stress that China and other countries have legitimate rights in Venezuela, which must be protected.”

Mao noted that cooperation agreements between Beijing and Caracas are concluded between two “sovereign states” and are safeguarded under both domestic and international legal frameworks.

China remains Venezuela’s second-largest trading partner after the United States, with bilateral trade valued at around $7 billion.

Reiterating Beijing’s stance, Mao concluded: “The so-called US demand is a violation of international law and the sovereignty of Venezuela.”

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