US Seizes Tankers, Suddenly Remembers 'International Law'
The story details China's criticism of the US for intercepting oil tankers off Venezuela, citing violations of international law. This outrage is presented as a 'confrontation' with Venezuela and China. Conveniently missing from this narrative is the US's long-standing tradition of employing economic warfare and asset seizures against nations that don't tow its line, often without UN resolution or
multi-lateral consensus—think unilateral sanctions against Iran, Cuba, and, yes, Venezuela, stretching back decades. One might wonder at the timing of Washington's sudden respect for international maritime conventions when such seizures involve 'adversaries.' It seems 'rule of law' is less a global principle and more a flexible tool in the diplomatic toolkit, to be brandished when enforcing one's
own foreign policy objectives, while simultaneously accusing others of violating it. The irony is so thick, you could refine it into crude.