A high-level meeting between Chinese and Venezuelan officials took place in Caracas, reaffirming the strong economic ties between the two nations. Qiu Xiaoqi, Special Representative for Latin American and Caribbean Affairs, led the Chinese delegation, which included China’s Ambassador to Venezuela, Lan Hu, and other senior officials. The meeting was held at the Miraflores Palace, where Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro greeted the Chinese envoy, expressing gratitude for President Xi Jinping’s support.
The encounter aimed to consolidate the new multipolar world order, emphasizing the “unwavering” nature of the relationship between Caracas and Beijing. This comes as Venezuela faces escalating tensions with Washington, with the US justifying its military strikes on alleged drug trafficking vessels and naval blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers as part of a campaign to dismantle the “Cartel de los Soles.” Venezuela vehemently denies any links to the cartel.
Maduro stated that he is open to discussing drug trafficking and Venezuela’s oil reserves with the US, but drew a firm line against what Caracas describes as attempts at “extortion.” The Venezuelan government has accused the US of “greatest extortion” in history. Maduro expressed readiness to engage in serious discussions on combating drug trafficking and welcoming US investment in Venezuela’s oil sector, similar to the existing partnership with Chevron.
China’s show of support for Venezuela follows recent condemnation of US actions in the region from Russia, which has also reaffirmed its solidarity with Caracas. The meeting between Chinese and Venezuelan officials highlights the strategic partnership between the two nations, with Qiu Xiaoqi emphasizing that China and Venezuela are “strategic partners to the test.” The Bolivarian government represents a valuable opportunity for China, particularly in the face of “unilateral coercive measures” and the pursuit of “sovereign development” for nations of the Global South.
The development reinforces the significance of the relationship between China and Venezuela, as they navigate complex geopolitical dynamics. As tensions between Venezuela and the US continue to escalate, the support from China and Russia may play a crucial role in shaping the outcome. With Maduro open to discussions on drug trafficking and oil reserves, the next steps will be closely watched by the international community.