China, Russia oppose unilateral sanctions against Venezuela

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China on Tuesday warned that the United States should bear responsibility for the consequences of its sanctions on Venezuela, in the wake of Washington's sanctions on the South American's vital oil exports.

The latest U.S. sanctions announced on Monday – bar state-owned oil company Petroleos de Venezuela (also known as PDVSA) from collecting proceeds from crude sales to U.S. refineries – appeared to be aimed at pressuring President Nicolas Maduro to step down and allow opposition leader Juan Guaido to call elections.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said historical experience showed foreign interference "only makes situations more complicated."

"The relevant country's sanctions on Venezuela will lead to the deterioration of conditions of people's lives," Geng told a regular news briefing in Beijing, referring to the United States. "They should bear responsibility for the serious consequences from this," he said.

Maduro on Monday pledged to retaliate against the US measures, without giving specific details.

Russia also backed Maduro latest response. Kremlin said on Tuesday that U.S. sanctions against Venezuela's PDVASA are illegal and naked interference in Venezuela's internal affairs.

Moscow is assessing the impact on Russia of the sanctions and intends to use all legal mechanisms at its disposable to protect Russia's interests in Venezuela in light of the sanctions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also voiced opposition to the U.S. economic policy.

The sanctions imposed on Venezuela's state oil company are illegal and Russia will take all necessary steps to support the administration of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov was quoted as saying on Tuesday. Lavrov said the sanctions amounted to an attempt by the U.S. to confiscate Venezuelan state assets.

(With inputs from Reuters)

(Top image: An oil tanker is seen in the sea outside the Puerto La Cruz oil refinery in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela, July 19, 2018. /VCG Photo)