There are strong political and economic links between China and the South-American country Venezuela. In 1974, the two nations established diplomatic ties, and since then, their relationship has progressively improved. China is Venezuela’s largest creditor, lending the nation billions of dollars in return for oil exports. However, the United States sanctions imposed on Venezuela have had a substantial impact on the country’s economy and made it harder to export oil. But stills, China has made significant investments in Venezuela’s infrastructure, energy, and agriculture to help the country. On September 12, 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro met and held bilateral talks. The Chinese President praised the relationship between the two countries and said, “China steadfastly supports Venezuela’s efforts to safeguard sovereignty, national dignity, and social stability.” During the meeting the two leaders has decided to upgrade their relations, and highlighted that China-Venezuela are good friends with mutual trust. Xi Jinping said, with Venezuela, China would elevate the ties to “all-weather strategic partnership,” a title only given to few of China’s diplomatic allies.
On behalf of the Chinese foreign ministry, Mao Ning, has also praised relations with Venezuela as “rock solid” and referred two countries as comprehensive strategic partners. The President of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, throughout his time in power, has developed relationships with China and was able to secure loans, cash, and investments for his nation. Before his meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing, a week earlier, he said on social media that his visit is intended to “strengthen cooperation and the construction of a new world order.” During his visit, Maduro stated that Venezuela is determined to work closely with China within frameworks like the United Nations and the BRICS. Therefore, Venezuela is actively courting membership in the BRICS, a group of significant emerging economies that recently supported expansion and welcomed new members. In order to improve the infrastructure for international trade, Venezuela ensured its supports for China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Following their discussions, the two leaders also signed several bilateral cooperation agreements spanning the fields of economy and trade, education, tourism, science and technology, health, civil aviation, and aerospace. China has welcomed Venezuela as it is the first nation from Latin America to join the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), which is led by China. The two countries are committed to work together and the relationship between the two nations will continue to improve in the years to come due to mutual interests.
Research Associate, Pakistan House