Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian was referring to Washington’s seizure of another Venezuelan oil tanker near the coast of the South American country.

“China has consistently opposed illegal unilateral sanctions that lack a legal basis in international law and have not been authorized by the United Nations Security Council,” he stated.

Lin again rejected any action that contravenes the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and infringes upon the sovereignty and security of other states.

“Venezuela has the right to independently develop mutually beneficial cooperation with other nations,” he affirmed.

He also expressed his confidence that the international community “will understand and support Venezuela’s position in defending its legitimate rights and interests.”

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