Beijing reacted angrily this week after President Donald Trump announced a sweeping new trade measure targeting any country that does business with Venezuela’s oil and gas industry. The Chinese foreign ministry demanded the policy be reversed, calling it an attack on Venezuela’s internal affairs.
Trump declared that starting April 2, the U.S. would impose a 25% tariff on goods from countries that continue to buy Venezuelan energy. The announcement comes after repeated warnings from the Trump administration that Venezuela has sent criminals, including gang members, into the U.S. illegally.
China facing now 45% tariff increase if it keeps buying Venezuelan oil https://t.co/PNAxddhr75
— Sara Eisen (@SaraEisen) March 24, 2025
In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused the Venezuelan government of intentionally smuggling violent criminals into the country under the radar. He specifically named the Tren de Aragua gang, which has been designated a foreign terrorist group by the State Department.
#FMsays Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun has stated that China is resolutely opposed to Washington's fresh threat of tariffs for countries that buy oil or gas from Venezuela and urged the US "to stop interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs" and to "abolish the illegal… pic.twitter.com/NQZEmsrGDY
— China Daily (@ChinaDaily) March 25, 2025
China, the top foreign buyer of Venezuelan oil, called the U.S. action a violation of international standards. A Chinese official said the new tariffs interfere with Venezuela’s sovereignty and demanded that the U.S. withdraw what it described as illegal sanctions.
https://twitter.com/MFA Secondary: “MFA_China/status/1904491673758867878
Venezuela ships roughly 500,000 barrels of oil to China each day, placing Beijing in the crosshairs of the new tariff policy. Other countries such as India, Spain and Cuba are also affected, but China’s dependence on Venezuelan crude makes it the most vocal opponent.
https://x.com/AlexBarnicoat_/status/1904507427544035471
Trump said the decision was linked to the recent surge in illegal immigration and growing threats posed by foreign gangs. He said the tariffs were necessary to respond to Venezuela’s “hostile” actions and protect American communities.
The Trump administration also resumed deportation flights to Venezuela last weekend, sending back nearly 200 individuals, including known members of the Tren de Aragua gang. Those flights had been paused following a dispute with Venezuela’s government.
