This Wednesday, China reiterated its backing for Venezuela while condemning what it termed "unilateral bullying" by the United States, amidst heightening pressure on the South American nation.
The statement was made during a phone conversation between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Venezuelan counterpart, Yvan Gil, according to a communiqué from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by Reuters.
During the call, Wang emphasized that China "supports countries in safeguarding their sovereignty," highlighting that China and Venezuela are strategic partners characterized by "mutual trust and support."
As reported by Reuters, the Chinese minister further noted that "the international community understands and backs Venezuela's stance in defending its legitimate rights and interests," reinforcing Beijing's diplomatic support for Caracas.
This declaration is set against the backdrop of pressure that, according to Reuters, U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified against Venezuela.
Oil analyst Naveen Das, from Kpler, points out that around three-fourths of Venezuela's oil production is exported to China, although Chinese importers can easily switch to barrels from Russia or Iran.
In an escalated conflict with Venezuela, Trump announced a complete oil blockade against the country and tougher deportation measures, in a message posted on his social network Truth Social, directly accusing the Nicolás Maduro regime of funding criminal activities with energy resources.
Trump stated that Venezuela is "completely surrounded" by military forces, warning that pressure will continue until the country returns to the United States "all the oil, lands, and other assets" that he claims were previously stolen.
The president once again labeled Maduro's government as an "illegitimate regime" and designated it as a foreign terrorist organization.
The following day, conservative commentator Tucker Carlson suggested that President Trump might use an upcoming speech to announce a significant escalation.
Carlson declared that lawmakers had been briefed on the possibility of war against Venezuela.
"What I know so far is that members of Congress were briefed yesterday that a war is coming, and this might be announced in the president's address to the nation tonight at 9 o'clock," Carlson said.
Since September, the United States has conducted dozens of bombings on ships allegedly linked to drug trafficking as part of Operation "Southern Spear."
Experts and human rights organizations have denounced these attacks as "extrajudicial executions."
The Trump administration has described Maduro as the head of the "Cartel of the Suns," a drug trafficking organization that the chavista government denies.
Key Issues in U.S.-Venezuela Relations
Why did China express support for Venezuela?
China expressed support for Venezuela to uphold the principle of sovereignty and to reinforce its strategic partnership with the South American country amidst U.S. pressure.
What actions has the Trump administration taken against Venezuela?
The Trump administration has imposed a complete oil blockade and increased deportation measures against Venezuela, while also conducting military operations targeting ships linked to drug trafficking.
How significant is Venezuela's oil production to China?
Approximately three-fourths of Venezuela's oil production is exported to China, yet Chinese importers are capable of sourcing oil from other countries like Russia or Iran if necessary.