China has strongly criticised the United States over its planned involvement in Venezuela’s oil industry, calling President Donald Trump’s actions a violation of international law.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning described Washington’s move as an “outrageous use of force,” saying the US demand that Venezuela manage its oil resources according to an “America First” agenda amounts to harassment and undermines the rights of the Venezuelan people.

“Venezuela has full sovereignty over its natural resources and economic activities,” Mao said, adding that China’s interests in the country must also be respected.

The comments follow Trump’s statement on Truth Social that Venezuela’s interim government would transfer 30 million to 50 million barrels of “sanctioned oil” to the US, with proceeds to benefit both Venezuelans and Americans.

China, Venezuela’s key ally and largest oil buyer, has previously condemned US actions in the country, including the military operation that removed Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from power. Beijing and other global powers have labelled such interventions a breach of Venezuela’s sovereignty.

Mao’s remarks highlight growing international concern over US interference in Venezuela, emphasizing the need to respect the country’s sovereign rights amid escalating geopolitical tensions.