Venezuela's President Maduro solicits China amidst escalating pressures from the United States. Will Beijing respond?
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has received a new cell phone from Chinese leader Xi Jinping, marking a significant development in the growing relationship between the two countries.
During a televised ceremony, Maduro presented the new Huawei phone, stating his desire to learn how to use it. He also commented on the phone's satellite capabilities, hinting at a new communication channel with China.
The presentation came during a speech about education in Venezuela, where Maduro emphasised the strength of his country, comparing it to David versus Goliath.
China's interest in Venezuela extends beyond communication devices. A private Chinese company has begun exploiting two oil fields in Venezuela, with plans to invest over $1 billion in a project to produce 60,000 barrels of crude per day by the end of 2026. This move is seen as an effort by China to take care of its interests in the region, particularly against the deployment of the United States.
China's economic interests in Venezuela are substantial. The country has a trade surplus with Venezuela, exporting around $3.45 billion and importing $739 million. This economic relationship, centred on Venezuela's main export product, oil, benefits China significantly.
However, tensions between Venezuela and the United States are escalating. Maduro announced the deployment of 4.5 million militiamen throughout Venezuela, a move that has raised concerns in Washington. Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, stated that the US is prepared to use all its resources to curb the flow of drugs into the country and bring those responsible to justice.
Beijing has expressed its concerns following the recent US military deployment in Caribbean waters near Venezuela. China opposes any move that violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and a country's sovereignty and security.
Lan Hu, China's ambassador to Venezuela, criticized "unilateral coercive measures" of the US. Despite this, there is no evidence from the available information that any countries officially support Venezuela in a military conflict with the United States, nor that China has provided direct military aid to Venezuela.
Maduro, in a social media post, expressed his happiness with the progress of mutual cooperation with China, especially in the economy. He also met with Lan Hu and celebrated the progress between the two countries.
The United States has a trade deficit with Venezuela, with a trade balance in favor of Venezuela by more than $1.3 billion. Despite this, the US's stance towards Venezuela remains firm, with no signs of easing the pressure on Maduro's government.
As the situation in Venezuela continues to evolve, the relationship between Venezuela and China is becoming increasingly important. Both countries are seeking to protect their interests, with China showing its stance against the deployment of the United States and Venezuela emphasising its defensive capacity to avoid a confrontation.
