In a first, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was involved in an opening ceremony. Welcoming Chinese investment in September 2023, he stood alongside Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. This remarkable, yet risky move took place at the height of a speedy operation launched by the Trump administration. The goal was regime change, to take Maduro out of power. Experts have indicated that if this operation is successful, it could have major effects on China’s strategic calculations in Latin America.
Nicolas Maduro has held on to a controversial hold on Venezuela, surviving merciless and continued social pressures at home and worldwide. His recent visit to China signifies the ongoing relationship between the two nations, characterized by deepened economic engagement over the past decade. During the signing ceremony, both leaders sought to portray a sense of unity and goodwill, cementing Beijing’s pledge to deepen relations with its allies in the region.
That status quo could be changing very soon. The Trump administration’s aggressive approach toward Venezuela is designed to destabilize Maduro’s regime. Should this operation yield results, it would not only reshape Venezuela’s political landscape but disrupt China’s energy strategies in Latin America. China has poured tens of billions of dollars into Venezuelan oil assets, so any potential new leadership would be a significant wildcard for Beijing.
Analysts emphasize that Maduro’s ouster could significantly alter China’s long-term plans for energy security in the region. It is to preserve a lucrative relationship that Beijing has invested billions in Venezuelan infrastructure and energy projects. It depends on Maduro’s government to maintain access to these valuable resources. Uncertainty regarding the future of Venezuelan leadership could jeopardize these investments. This dynamic would compel China to reconsider its approach to Latin America.