Maduro Calls On China as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Rise

 

As tensions escalate between Venezuela and the United States, President Nicolás Maduro spotlighted his country’s growing relationship with China during a speech on education.

Speaking at the closing of the “First Pedagogical Congress of Bolivarian Teachers,” Maduro presented a new Huawei smartphone, which he said was a personal gift from Chinese President Xi Jinping. He added that he communicates with Xi via satellite through the device. Switching briefly into Mandarin, Maduro said, “Ni hao, ni hao. Xiexie, xiexie,” while pretending to take a call.

The gesture was one of several recent signals of closer Venezuela-China ties. Earlier in the week, Maduro met with Chinese Ambassador Lan Hu to discuss economic and technological cooperation, while Beijing reaffirmed its opposition to foreign interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs.

China’s Position and U.S. Military Deployment

China’s Foreign Ministry condemned the recent U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean, saying it opposed the “use or threat of force” and urged Washington to respect Latin America’s sovereignty. The U.S. operation, aimed at targeting drug cartels, includes destroyers, a guided-missile cruiser, reconnaissance aircraft, and a nuclear-powered submarine.

In response, Maduro announced the mobilization of 4.5 million militia members nationwide, asserting that Venezuela had the strength to defend itself. “No empire is going to touch the sacred ground of Venezuela,” he said, invoking the biblical story of David and Goliath.

The White House, meanwhile, emphasized that U.S. forces were prepared to use all available resources to combat narcotrafficking and “bring those responsible to justice.”

Economic Stakes and Energy Interests

Analysts note that China’s economic partnership with Venezuela plays a central role in the relationship. Trade data shows Beijing exports over $3.4 billion worth of goods to Venezuela while importing less than a quarter of that amount, giving China a significant surplus. In return, China gains access to Venezuelan oil, including reserves in the disputed Essequibo region.

A private Chinese company recently began operating two oil fields in Venezuela under a 20-year production-sharing agreement, pledging more than $1 billion in investment to produce up to 60,000 barrels of crude per day by 2026.

Despite China’s supportive rhetoric, experts suggest Beijing’s stance remains cautious. While it benefits from trade and oil projects, China has avoided making commitments that would draw it directly into U.S.-Venezuela disputes.