Multiple nations criticize US over Venezuela oil tanker blockade

HotTV

Multiple nations criticize US over Venezuela oil tanker blockade

2025-12-18 16:33 Last Updated At：12-21 13:07

The United States escalated tensions with Venezuela on Tuesday by ordering a "full and complete blockade" on all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, a move promptly condemned by multiple nations for heightening regional instability.

In response to the U.S. action, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called for the United Nations to intervene on Wednesday to prevent a further escalation. Mexico opposes external interference in Venezuela's affairs in any form, she stated at a press conference, urging the United Nations to fulfill its duty to prevent any bloodshed.

Brazil also voiced strong concern. Celso Amorim, Chief Special Advisor to the Brazilian President, told local media that the U.S.-Venezuela tensions are "extremely worrying."

He criticized the U.S. threats against Venezuela and other South American nations as detrimental to regional security and stability, emphasizing the continent's commitment to peace, dialog, and resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means.

Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar clarified her country's position on Wednesday. She stated that the U.S. had not requested assistance regarding the blockade and that Trinidad and Tobago "has no intention of being drawn into any conflict."

While affirming solidarity with the Venezuelan people, she stressed that the nation's priority is combating "drug trafficking, human trafficking, and arms smuggling."

The prime minister also said that the country's permission for the U.S. military aircraft to enter local airports is only temporary.

This statement followed Venezuela's criticism of Trinidad and Tobago for recently granting the U.S. temporary permission to use its airports for military aircraft, which the Venezuelan side described as part of a "hostile agenda" and an act of aggression.

Iran's Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Wednesday condemning the U.S. move as "systematic bullying and coercion," equating it to "international piracy" and "armed robbery at sea."

The statement warned that U.S. "aggressive unilateralism" threatens global peace and security, calling on the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, and responsible governments to denounce illegal coercive measures of the United States and hold it accountable for its blatant violations of international law and the UN Charter.

Hong Kong's first astronaut ignites citywide enthusiasm over space exploration

Hong Kong's first astronaut lifted off into space on Sunday, sparking a wave of enthusiasm for space exploration in the special administrative region, while inspiring a new generation to look to the stars.

The Shenzhou-23 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 23:08 (Beijing Time) on Sunday. The crew members include Lai Ka-ying, the first astronaut and payload specialist from Hong Kong to join a national space mission, whose achievements have motivated many Hong Kong residents.

"I feel so happy and thrilled. This is the first time a Hong Kong astronaut has gone to space, and to see a true Hong Konger, who is also a mother of three, just really touches my heart," said Chow, a local resident.

The successful spaceflight of Lai has especially captivated the younger generation to dream bigger about the future.

"I want to be an astronaut, because I want to discover more things about space," said a young student surnamed Chow.

"I have seen things related to spaceflights of astronauts. I hope when I grow up, I could receive training and go to space myself," said another student surnamed Koo.

To meet public expectations, the Hong Kong Space Museum has updated its space-themed exhibition with the latest development of the Shenzhou-23 mission, extending the display until July 6. Parents are seizing the moment to enrich their children's knowledge.

"At his age, I want him to be exposed to a wide range of information. With all the recent astronaut news, I brought him here specially to see for himself. We will also check out a film about space knowledge at the planetarium. I hope he can get more out of this from an early age," said Cheung, a father.

"We just watched the Shenzhou-23 launch at home with my son last night, and decided to take him to the Space Museum," a mother surnamed Chun shared.

"I saw on TV that so many people were cheering for the launch. When the rocket was launched, fire burst out from its body. I was really happy they succeeded," said Chun's son.