Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Chinese leader Xi Jinping last month. They hosted their discussion at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. This significant encounter, which took place in September 2023, has raised questions about the implications of U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration, particularly regarding efforts to remove Maduro from power.
During Maduro’s official visit, Xi and Maduro discussed their solid bilateral ties. They pointed out China’s increasing economic presence in Latin America during the last ten years. Analysts suggest that any potential ouster of Maduro could disrupt China’s strategic calculations in the region, given Venezuela’s importance in energy markets and as a partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Today, analysts call the Trump administration’s gambit to oust Maduro a “lightning operation.” As expected, this bold move has generated a firestorm of excitement and criticism. This rapid-fire move is indicative of the White House’s larger plan to roll back political currents towards the left across Latin America. Unfortunately, the U.S. has begun to increase its attacks on Maduro. If this plays out positively, China will need to recalibrate its investments and energy plans in Venezuela, which would change its strategy in the region.
As China’s economic interests in Latin America have increased, so have the importance and saliency of China’s relationship with Venezuela. China, over the past two decades, has poured billions into Venezuelan infrastructure and energy projects. If Maduro was removed, these investments might be at risk, leading China to re-evaluate its interests in the region.