China Slams U.S. for ‘Bullying’ After Washington Strikes Oil Deal with Venezuela

China has condemned the United States as a global “bully” after the Trump administration announced it had successfully persuaded Venezuela to redirect oil shipments originally bound for Beijing — agreeing to import up to $2 billion in previously sanctioned crude.

The controversial arrangement supports President Donald Trump’s broader strategy to exert influence over Venezuela’s vast petroleum wealth following the ousting of its leader, Nicolás Maduro. 

“The United States’ brazen use of force against Venezuela and its demand for ‘America First’ when Venezuela disposes of its own oil resources are typical acts of bullying,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a press conference.

“These actions seriously violate international law, gravely infringe upon Venezuela’s sovereignty, and severely damage the rights of the Venezuelan people.”

China, which averaged about 389,000 barrels per day of crude imports from Venezuela in 2025 roughly 4% of its total seaborne oil intake could increasingly shift its sourcing toward Iran and Russia, according to market traders.

Source: Reuters