Beijing: China said on Wednesday it strongly condemned what it described as a US demand that Venezuela give Washington priority in oil cooperation. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a press briefing, commenting on reports that the US asked Venezuela to cut economic ties with China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba, and to work only with Washington on oil production.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Mao emphasized that Venezuela is a sovereign country with full permanent control over its natural resources and economic activity. He underscored the importance of protecting the legitimate rights and interests of China and other countries involved in Venezuelan oil cooperation.
In response to comments by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who declared that the Western Hemisphere belongs to the US and that US President Donald Trump would not allow threats to US security, Mao criticized the notion of creating "spheres of influence." He stated that such actions and geopolitical confrontations do not enhance safety or bring peace and stability to the world.
US reports indicated that the Trump administration conveyed to Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez that Caracas should form an exclusive oil partnership with the US, giving Washington preference when selling oil.