China says US seizure of foreign vessels violates international law

BEIJING - The U.S. move to seize foreign vessels in international waters seriously violates international law, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Thursday.

"China has always opposed illegal unilateral sanctions without the basis of international law and without the authorization of the United Nations Security Council," ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press conference.

The U.S. seized two Venezuela-linked oil tankers in the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday, one sailing under Russia's flag.

-Laurie Chen; Editing by Jacqueline Wong/Reuters