U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) questioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio on several national security issues during a Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing in Washington, D.C.
Barrasso addressed concerns about Venezuelan oil exports to China, highlighting that “three-quarters of all the oil that went from Venezuela out of the country there — last year, seventy-five percent of it went to China.” He noted that these shipments were sold at discounted rates through oil-for-loan agreements, resulting in significant revenue for Venezuela. However, he pointed out that since a blockade was implemented, “Venezuelan crude shipments to China have fallen dramatically,” and asked Secretary Rubio about the impact on China’s broader energy strategy.
The senator also discussed Iranian oil shipments to China. He said, “a lot of oil is still going from Iran to China. Over one million barrels a day last year. Lots of that money goes back to Iran, to the dictators — the people who are actually killing others on the street.” Barrasso questioned what actions could be taken to prevent these transactions and how the U.S. can support the Iranian people.
Barrasso further raised concerns about subsea cable security. Referring to bipartisan legislation he introduced with Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Barrasso stated, “Senator Shaheen and I have legislation on subsea cables…the sabotage being done, directly being targeted.” He referenced recent incidents involving Russian ships detained by Sweden and Finland and asked if Secretary Rubio would continue supporting efforts related to this issue.
Secretary Rubio provided testimony addressing these questions as part of his appearance before the committee.
