China’s Deep Stakes in Venezuela Following Maduro’s Capture

The recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the Trump administration has created ripple effects far beyond Venezuela’s borders, particularly for one of the country’s most significant international partners: China.

A new report from the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission reveals Beijing’s extensive involvement in Venezuela spans financial, strategic, and military dimensions, making China heavily invested in the country’s future trajectory.

The relationship between China and Venezuela intensified significantly after Hugo Chávez’s election in 1998, which marked the beginning of closer political and economic alignment. By 2023, the two nations had formalized their ties into what China designates as an “all-weather strategic partnership” – one of Beijing’s higher-level diplomatic classifications that signals intentions for comprehensive long-term cooperation across multiple sectors.

However, the Commission notes that despite the robust partnership, it falls short of formal security guarantees that would typically characterize a treaty alliance.

China’s financial involvement in Venezuela is substantial. Chinese policy banks have provided more loans to Venezuela than to any other Latin American nation, with analysts estimating at least $10 billion in outstanding Chinese loans. This financial lifeline has been crucial to Venezuela’s economic survival during years of crisis.

Perhaps more significant is China’s role in Venezuela’s oil sector. The report indicates that China purchases the majority of Venezuela’s oil exports, even in the face of U.S. sanctions. This trade relationship is vital because oil revenue constitutes over half of Venezuela’s fiscal income, making Chinese purchases essential to the regime’s financial viability.

The Commission also suggests that China’s actual oil imports from Venezuela may be significantly higher than officially reported. According to the report, most Chinese imports of Venezuelan oil are recorded as shipments from other countries, effectively masking their true origin. This aligns with Reuters reporting on “shadow fleet” tactics used to transport Venezuelan oil, including vessels operating under false identities and shipments routed through intermediaries before reaching Chinese buyers.

Beyond economics, China has established substantial military ties with Venezuela. The Commission reports that Venezuela is Latin America’s largest purchaser of Chinese military equipment, including armored vehicles, rocket systems, missiles, and military aircraft. Some of this hardware has reportedly been deployed to suppress domestic protests within Venezuela.

Of particular strategic concern are two Chinese-built satellite ground stations within Venezuelan territory: the El Sombrero Satellite Ground Station on the Captain Manuel Ríos Aerospace Base and the Luepa Satellite Control Ground Station, which serves as a backup facility. While these installations officially support a Venezuelan civilian satellite program, the Commission warns that China’s access could provide strategic advantages in conflict scenarios by enhancing the resilience of Chinese space operations. At least one Chinese technician has claimed that Beijing maintains remote access capabilities to these facilities.

These developments take on added significance as President Trump meets with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado amid questions about post-Maduro governance and stability. The University of Chicago recently highlighted numerous uncertainties surrounding Venezuela’s future, including legal questions, governance challenges, and implications for U.S. foreign policy in the region.

The situation underscores how Venezuela’s political future has implications extending far beyond its borders. What happens next will impact not only regional stability but also the ongoing strategic competition between Washington and Beijing, with China’s deep economic and military footprint in Venezuela representing a significant consideration for U.S. policymakers navigating the aftermath of Maduro’s removal.

As events continue to unfold, the extent of China’s willingness to defend its substantial investments in Venezuela—and how the Trump administration responds to those interests—will likely shape the geopolitical landscape of Latin America for years to come.