China condemns US seizure of Russian tanker in Atlantic
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning (photo: Getty Images).
Beijing commented on US actions related to the detention of a tanker flying the Russian flag in the Atlantic Ocean. China's Foreign Ministry said the incident violates international law, according to a statement by spokeswoman Mao Ning.
Beijing's position
According to China's Foreign Ministry, the United States' seizure of a vessel flying the Russian flag constitutes a serious violation of international law and existing international norms, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.
Context of the incident
The vessel's detention in the Atlantic Ocean occurred amid intensified US oversight of compliance with sanctions targeting Russia's energy sector. Washington continues to implement measures to restrict Russia's maritime exports of energy resources.
Earlier, Donald Trump expressed support for a bill that would impose 500% tariffs on countries that purchase Russian oil, gas, or uranium.
Seizure of the tanker Marinera
US military forces detained a Russian tanker for violating existing sanctions as part of Washington's enforcement of restrictions imposed on Russia.
The oil tanker Marinera, previously known as Bella 1, is owned by the Russian firm Burevestmarine. The company is owned and headed by Crimean businessman Ilya Bugai, who has also led Rusneftekhimtrorg, a company specializing in petroleum product trading, since 2018.
In addition, the US Southern Command reported the detention of the tanker Sophia in the Caribbean Sea, which is not registered in any country.
