Trump Administration's Seizure of Venezuelan Oil Tankers Targets China, Not Venezuela

U.S. Seizure of Tankers: The U.S. recently seized the Panama-flagged oil tanker Centuries while it was transporting sanctioned crude from Venezuela, a move condemned by China. This action is based on a 2002 agreement allowing U.S. authorities to board Panama-flagged vessels with minimal notice.

Impact on China and Venezuela: The U.S. is targeting tankers linked to Chinese refineries, aiming to pressure the Maduro regime in Venezuela while strategically impacting China's oil supply, which heavily relies on Venezuelan crude.

Patterns of Seizures: The seized tankers, including Centuries and Bella 1, have a history of transporting Venezuelan oil to Chinese ports, indicating a pattern in U.S. enforcement actions against vessels connected to China.

Geopolitical Tensions: The U.S. is also clashing with China and Panama over control of the Panama Canal, with concerns about China's influence in the region and its potential control over key shipping routes, which could affect global trade dynamics.