At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is visiting China from September 8 to 14. This significant visit aims to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between Venezuela and China, building on their long-standing cooperation in trade, energy, and investment.
The foundation for this visit was laid by Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez’s recent trip to China, where she met with senior Chinese officials, including Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee. These high-level exchanges marked the most significant engagement between the two nations in five years, paving the way for a new phase of bilateral cooperation.
As President Maduro arrives in China, there is considerable optimism about consolidating strategic cooperation platforms, particularly the China-Venezuela high-level joint commission. This commission has been instrumental in enhancing coordination on regional and international affairs and advancing projects in sectors such as mining, oil, energy, and finance.
Energy investment remains a priority focus for both countries. Chinese entities have been actively engaging with their Venezuelan counterparts to deepen collaboration in this sector. “The two countries’ political mutual trust has grown more solid, and our cooperation in various sectors has further deepened,” said Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, at a recent press briefing.
China and Venezuela also share a principled opposition to hegemonism and unilateralism, advocating for a more united and equitable world. Both nations have spoken against unilateral sanctions and blockades imposed on Venezuela, highlighting their detrimental impact on human welfare and national development.
China has been a vital source of financial support for Venezuela since 2007, extending about $60 billion in loans to support the country’s capacity-building efforts. Venezuela’s recent participation in the China-led International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) further exemplifies the multifaceted nature of their growing engagements.
President Maduro’s visit presents an opportunity to strengthen collaboration in sustainable infrastructure. New development synergies under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) can enhance Venezuela’s opportunities in infrastructure financing, building on the initiative’s progress in the region through forums like the China–Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
The groundwork for expanding strategic cooperation is well established. Vice President Rodriguez noted that both sides have reinforced their “bilateral relationship, expanded strategic cooperation, and joint international work for peace and the respect of the UN Charter’s principles and goals.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
