The United States Navy recently boarded an oil tanker, the Aquila II, flagged in Panama, in the Indian Ocean after tracking it from the Caribbean Sea. The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed the tanker was carrying oil originating from Venezuela.
The 275-meter vessel, reportedly carrying around 700,000 barrels of crude oil, was intercepted as it traveled towards China. While not yet officially seized, the tanker is currently being held pending a final decision. U.S. Authorities stated the boarding occurred without incident, exercising a “right of visit.”
The Shifting Sands of Control: Venezuela, China, and U.S. Interests
Venezuela possesses substantial oil reserves, and its export revenue is critical to the nation’s economy. U.S. Sanctions restrict the global sale of Venezuelan oil, and enforcement of these sanctions has been intensified recently. Since late 2025, the U.S. Has been actively tracking, boarding, and seizing tankers linked to sanctioned Venezuelan oil.
A Broader Strategy to Counter China’s Influence
These actions are occurring alongside a broader U.S. Effort to limit the influence of China and other non-Hemispheric competitors in the Western Hemisphere. The U.S. Aims to prevent these nations from establishing strategic positions or controlling vital assets in the region, particularly concerning the Panama Canal.
China has significantly increased its economic and political engagement in Latin America, with trade exceeding half a trillion dollars annually. Chinese firms are involved in critical infrastructure projects, including those related to the Panama Canal.
Panama’s Position in the Crosshairs
The Panama Canal is a focal point in this geopolitical competition, with approximately 40% of U.S. Container traffic transiting the waterway. A recent ruling by Panama’s high court against a Hong Kong-backed company’s operation of key ports at the Canal has drawn strong condemnation from China, which views the decision as yielding to U.S. Pressure.
Venezuela and China: A Long-Standing Partnership
Venezuela has been a key partner for China in Latin America, particularly since 1998. In 2023, the two countries elevated their relationship to an “all-weather strategic partnership,” signifying long-term cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, energy, and politics.
Future Trends and Potential Escalation
The recent actions suggest a continued U.S. Strategy of aggressively enforcing sanctions on Venezuelan oil and attempting to disrupt the flow of resources to China. This could lead to further tensions between the U.S. And China, particularly if more tankers intended for the Chinese market are targeted.
Panama’s role will remain critical. The country’s relationship with both the U.S. And China is complex, especially concerning control of the Panama Canal. Future decisions regarding the Canal’s operation and security will likely be heavily influenced by the broader geopolitical rivalry.
China is unlikely to relinquish its interests in Latin America. Its investments and partnerships are deeply entrenched, and it will likely continue to seek opportunities to expand its influence in the region, presenting a long-term challenge to U.S. Dominance.
Venezuela: zó veel olie en toch straatarm
