China condemns US tariffs on Venezuelan oil buyers
3 Min Read
China is the largest importer of Venezuelan oil, with other buyers including India, Spain, and the United States.
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US and Chinese flags wave at Genting Snow Park, Feb. 2, 2022, in Zhangjiakou, China (AP)
The United States was "interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs," China said after President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on imports from countries purchasing oil and gas from the South American nation.
Trump's announcement on Monday stated that the new tariff, effective from April 2, would apply to all goods entering the United States from countries buying Venezuelan oil.
China is the largest importer of Venezuelan oil, with other buyers including India, Spain, and the United States.
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun called on the US "to stop interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs [and] abolish the illegal unilateral sanctions imposed on Venezuela."
He further urged the United States to take actions that would foster peace, stability, and development in Venezuela and beyond.
Venezuela has faced US sanctions for several years, including a new round in January, which increased the rewards for information leading to the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro and other government officials.
While announcing the tariffs, Trump accused Venezuela of "purposefully and deceitfully" sending "undercover, tens of thousands of high-level, and other criminals" to the US.
Trump, who has made combating illegal immigration a key priority of his administration, invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act earlier this month to justify the deportation of alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, despite the absence of final removal orders from immigration judges.
The Venezuelan government strongly condemned Trump's "new aggression", stating, "This arbitrary, illegal, and desperate measure, far from weakening our resolve, confirms the resounding failure of all sanctions imposed against our country."
Trump has already imposed a universal 20% tariff on Chinese imports, claiming it was part of efforts to curb the flow of fentanyl into the United States.
China has called for "dialogue" but responded by imposing tariffs of up to 15% on a range of US agricultural goods, including soybeans, pork, and chicken.
As the world’s leading steel producer, China has also pledged to take "all necessary measures" in response to US tariffs on steel and aluminum.
On Tuesday, Guo emphasized that a trade war would result in "no winners", warning that "imposing additional levies and tariffs will only lead to American businesses and consumers bearing greater losses."
Read more: US threatens Venezuela: Accept deportees or face sanctions
