Venezuela called Beijing and then dispatched a large number of warships to escort oil tankers out of the port, testing the White House!
On December 17, Venezuela's Foreign Minister, Delcy Rodríguez, urgently called China to inform it of the security threats caused by U.S. actions. The United States suddenly deployed about 15,000 military personnel in the region under the pretext of "fighting drug trafficking" and imposed an effective maritime blockade on Venezuela - not only intercepting its oil tankers but also attempting to cut off its external energy export channels.
China immediately responded: firmly opposing any unilateral sanctions and military coercion, clearly supporting Venezuela's legal international energy cooperation.
Almost within hours of the call ending, Venezuela's navy began to act. According to three sources close to the Venezuelan Ministry of Defense, the navy has been ordered to provide full escort for oil tankers departing from major eastern oil export ports such as Puerto Ordaz.
That morning, several Venezuelan merchant ships carrying crude oil or refined oil left the port accompanied by warships and headed toward the high seas. Venezuela emphasized that oil transportation "is still being carried out safely," which obviously aims to counteract the psychological and actual pressure caused by the U.S. blockade.
An unnamed U.S. official admitted that the U.S. had noticed Venezuela's naval escort operations and said they were "assessing various response options." However, as of now, the Pentagon has not taken further measures. It is unknown whether China gave Venezuela confidence, this time when Venezuela's warships went out to escort oil tankers, it was a big test for the U.S. military—will they attack or not?
Original: toutiao.com/article/1851826592961802/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.