US Sanctions Chinese Firms, Tankers Over Venezuela Oil Links

• US sanctioned four Chinese/Hong Kong companies (Corniola Ltd., Aries Global Investment Ltd., Krape Myrtle Co, Winky International Ltd.) and four tankers (Della, Nord Star, Rosalind, Valiant) for Venezuela oil trade.
• Action is part of Trump administration's pressure campaign against Nicolás Maduro's "illegitimate narco-terrorist regime" and its "shadow fleet."
• Targeting Chinese firms is a rare move, signaling a warning to Beijing, as China is Venezuela's largest oil customer.
• US military actions escalated, including intercepting carriers, striking drug trafficking boats, and a facility inside Venezuela.
• China criticizes US actions as "unilateral bullying" but continues unofficial Venezuelan oil purchases.

Why It Matters: US escalates pressure on Venezuela by sanctioning Chinese entities, warning Beijing and increasing military actions.