Mexico's President Sheinbaum Urges UN to Prevent Bloodshed in Venezuela Amid US Oil Blockade
Mexico's president Claudia Sheinbaum has called on the United Nations to prevent bloodshed in Venezuela by rejecting foreign interference and encouraging dialogue for a peaceful resolution. Her statement came after the United States announced a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela.
The US has deployed forces in the Caribbean, citing efforts to combat Latin American drug trafficking. However, Caracas alleges that the operation aims to remove President Nicolás Maduro and seize Venezuelan oil assets. Sheinbaum proposed Mexico as a potential venue for talks between Venezuela and the US and emphasized the need for de-escalation.
China opposes unilateral pressure on Venezuela and supports the country. Beijing noted it purchases about 80% of Venezuela's crude exports, with Venezuela representing approximately 4% of China's total crude imports.
Earlier last week, the US seized a tanker off the Caribbean that was carrying Venezuelan oil intended for Cuba and China. Meanwhile, Chile's president-elect Kast expressed support for efforts to end Maduro's dictatorship, signaling an expansion of regional backing for the US stance, which includes consideration of strikes on Venezuelan territory.
US forces recently conducted strikes on three vessels in the eastern Pacific suspected of drug trafficking, resulting in eight deaths. These operations are part of a broader campaign since September that has destroyed at least 26 vessels and killed around 95 people.
Venezuela possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, with oil exports remaining its main source of revenue despite years of mismanagement.
