On December 20, 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted the Panama-flagged tanker Centuries in international waters near Venezuela. The vessel was transporting 1.8 million barrels of crude oil, purchased by a Chinese trader.
Following the interception, China sought to purchase oil from Venezuela. However, there have been no credible reports or evidence of the United States intercepting or attempting to intercept Chinese-flagged oil tankers transporting Venezuelan crude.