By Zoila Palma: As tensions escalate between Washington and Caracas, China is deepening its economic and strategic presence in Venezuela, offering a crucial lifeline to President Nicolás Maduro’s embattled regime.
The move comes as a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group, led by the USS Gerald R. Ford, patrols the Caribbean to monitor narcotrafficking networks linked to Venezuela’s military leadership — a show of force that has reportedly prompted Venezuelan officers to prepare for guerrilla-style defenses against a potential U.S. strike.
At the Shanghai Expo 2025, Venezuela and China announced a “zero-tariff” trade agreement eliminating duties on roughly 400 product categories, signaling a bold new phase of cooperation between the two nations.
Analysts warn, however, that the deal could further entrench Venezuela’s dependence on China, with Beijing gaining greater control over the country’s oil exports and critical infrastructure, Fox reports.
For Beijing, the partnership secures both commercial and strategic advantages in the Western Hemisphere as U.S. sanctions continue to squeeze Venezuela.
According to the Council on Foreign Relations, China has lent roughly $60 billion to Venezuela over the past two decades, much of it tied to oil-for-loan agreements.
The post International News: China expands influence in Venezuela as Maduro turns to Beijing under rising U.S. pressure appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: As tensions escalate between Washington and Caracas, China is deepening its economic and strategic presence in Venezuela, offering a crucial lifeline to President Nicolás Maduro’s embattled regime. The move comes as a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group, led by the USS Gerald R. Ford, patrols the Caribbean to monitor narcotrafficking networks linked
The post International News: China expands influence in Venezuela as Maduro turns to Beijing under rising U.S. pressure appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
