Two Chinese supertankers head to Venezuela despite US blockade, escalating tensions in maritime trade and international relations.
Two Chinese-flagged supertankers are continuing their voyages linked to Venezuela, despite the ongoing US blockade and increasing seizures, according to Newsweek.
Lloyd's List reported that the 320,899-dwt tanker Thousand Sunny is en route to Venezuela's Jose Terminal, while the 319,000-dwt Xing Ye is slow-steaming off French Guiana, awaiting loading. Both vessels remain unsanctioned, although their ownership details are undisclosed.
China has expressed opposition to US seizures and naval pressure, supporting Venezuela at the UN Security Council. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has labeled the blockade as 'piracy,' while US President Donald Trump has pledged to enhance military enforcement, citing concerns that oil revenues are funding crime and drug trafficking.
Since September, the US has seized several tankers and conducted over 20 strikes on alleged Venezuelan smuggling boats. In response, Venezuelan gunboats have begun escorting oil shipments, although their coverage is limited to territorial waters.
Bloomberg reported that state oil firm PDVSA is shutting wells in the Orinoco Belt as storage capacity fills, resulting in a 25 percent cut in output to 500,000 barrels per day. Chevron continues to export under a US license. As the tankers approach Venezuelan waters, the enforcement of the blockade will be critical in determining whether the standoff escalates into a broader confrontation.
