China criticizes U.S. for detaining ships

China's Foreign Ministry on Monday condemned the United States' detention of other countries' ships as a serious violation of international law and said China rejects all unilateral and illegal sanctions.

Lin Jian, a spokesman for the ministry, said at a press briefing that Venezuela has the right to develop relations with other countries.

Beijing was reacting to Washington's actions, which in recent days has seized several sanctioned tankers carrying Venezuelan oil.

(reuters, sie)