China Protests US Control Over Venezuelan Oil Sales, Warns of Import Slump
China has issued a sharp diplomatic response after the United States confirmed it will permit Beijing to buy Venezuelan oil—but only at prices approved by Washington. This development follows the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, with the Trump administration asserting indefinite control over Venezuela's oil sales to block what it terms "undercut" prices previously offered to China.
Beijing Insists on Venezuelan Sovereignty Amid US Intervention
In a strongly worded statement, Beijing emphasized that Venezuela is a sovereign state with the right to choose its own trading partners freely. Chinese officials have condemned the US move as an overreach that violates international norms and disrupts global energy markets. Analysts are now warning that Chinese oil imports from Venezuela could experience a significant slump starting in February, as the new US-imposed pricing structure takes effect.
Global Oil Markets Reshuffle as US Refiners Gain Priority
The Trump administration's decision has triggered a reshuffling of global oil cargoes, with US refiners reportedly gaining priority access to Venezuelan crude. This shift is forcing traders worldwide to adjust their supply chains, adding volatility to an already tense geopolitical landscape. The situation underscores how Venezuela's oil has become the latest flashpoint in the escalating power struggle between the United States and China.
Escalating Tensions in US-China Relations
With China openly objecting to the US stance and global markets reacting to the changes, the dispute over Venezuelan oil sales is intensifying broader tensions between the two superpowers. Observers note that this conflict reflects deeper disagreements over trade, sovereignty, and influence in Latin America, potentially setting the stage for further confrontations in international diplomacy and energy policy.
