China strengthens its influence in Latin America: Venezuelan delegation visits China

Last week, a Venezuelan delegation visited China, which has long supported the oil sector of this Latin American country. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and Oil Minister Pedro Tellechea arrived in China on Tuesday, followed by President Nicolás Maduro on Friday. With Venezuela due to hold presidential elections next year, the move can be seen as an effort to revive the economy. China, meanwhile, is strengthening its growing influence and continuing to weaken the position of the US in the region. This is certainly not the first instance of cooperation between China and Latin America.

The history of Sino-Venezuelan relations dates back to the presidency of Chávez, who made no secret of his fondness for the Asian giant. For a brief look at the historical context, Venezuela became the first Spanish-speaking country to conclude a comprehensive strategic partnership with China in 2001. Over time, it grew in significance and helped deliver more than 800 investment projects, which substantially supported oil extraction and processing, as well as the construction of additional infrastructure.