In September 2023, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro made a high-profile visit to Beijing to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This meeting represented a new high point in the growing diplomatic partnership between Venezuela and China. During this visit, they upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive “all-weather strategic partnership.” This step underscores their commitment to deeper collaboration, even growing tensions within Venezuela over the electoral results of last month’s elections.
The meeting time could not have been worse for Maduro. His government has for months been struggling to overcome intense international criticism after last summer’s controversial elections roiled all of Venezuela in mass protests. In sum, despite all of the above challenges, Xi Jinping went all in for Maduro’s leadership. Most perceive this gesture as an indication of a new, strategic alliance to combat Western influence throughout the region. The endorsement stands in stark opposition to the deep skepticism toward Venezuela’s supposed election results. It has provoked the most robust international condemnation yet.
Venezuela’s recent electoral results have caused an uprising among its citizens. They’ve equally come under harsh revilement from multiple Western countries. These countries have contested the level playing field and questioned the transparency of the electoral process, resulting in demands for accountability and reform. This outrage has inspired movements of protest both inside and outside Venezuela, showcasing the defiance and indignation among Venezuelans against Maduro’s new dictatorship.
Xi Jinping’s backing of Maduro illustrates Beijing’s commitment to its partnership with Venezuela. This commitment remains firm, despite the country’s ongoing political crisis. China took a calculated risk by stressing its ambitious strategy to expand its influence in Latin America with the new partnership. It wants to cement itself as a major counterweight to U.S. regional dominance.
These potential benefits of this strategic partnership are much deeper than just political ties. On the Chinese end, China is Venezuela’s largest creditor and investor—notably in areas like oil and infrastructure. Maduro’s government is deeply dependent on this financial support. It faces extraordinary economic duress, made exponentially worse by sanctions imposed on Russia by European and North American countries.
The world is transfixed on the events currently playing out in Venezuela. Even as he endures increasing pressure at home and abroad, Xi’s endorsement provides Maduro with further international immunity. The endorsement could potentially provide Maduro with the political capital needed to navigate through the unrest and criticisms leveled against his administration.