• China expresses support for Venezuela in response to a complete US blockade of oil tankers.
• Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemns US actions as "unilateral bullying."
• Venezuela seeks UN Security Council meeting to address US aggression.
• China emphasizes mutual respect and sovereignty in its diplomatic ties with Venezuela.
• The US military presence around Venezuela has increased significantly in recent months.

China has publicly voiced its support for Venezuela as tensions escalate with the United States following a complete blockade of oil tankers imposed by US President Donald Trump. The US has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, positioning troops and warships to enforce what it describes as an anti-narcotics campaign, which Venezuelan officials allege is an attempt to control the country's oil resources. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi addressed Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, stating that China opposes "unilateral bullying" and supports countries in safeguarding their sovereignty and national dignity, according to thejakartapost and Reuters.

Beijing has historically been a major buyer of Venezuelan oil, with shipments projected to average over 600,000 barrels per day in December. The economic ties between China and Venezuela are deep-rooted, involving loans-for-oil agreements that reflect their long-standing partnership. Wang asserted that mutual trust and support are traditional elements of their bilateral relationship, underscoring that "China believes the international community understands and supports Venezuela’s position in defending its legitimate rights and interests," according to SCMP and Reuters.

In response to the US blockade, Venezuela has formally requested a meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss what it deems an "ongoing US aggression." Beijing supports this request, which reflects its commitment to international diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing conflicts peacefully. Wang's comments follow a broader narrative in which China opposes any actions that violate international law, particularly those that infringe upon other countries' sovereignty, as emphasized in a recent statement by Chinese officials, according to Reuters and thejakartapost.

Heightened military activity by the US around Venezuela has led to significant tensions, with Caracas claiming that the militarization aims to interfere with its sovereignty. In a call last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed his government's support for Maduro, which consolidates the alignment of China and Russia with Venezuela in the face of US pressures. These developments mark a crucial chapter in Venezuela's ongoing struggle against what it calls external intervention, as articulated by Wang and Maduro in their respective statements regarding the situation, according to SCMP and Reuters.