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Will Venezuela bear the brunt of US-China tensions?

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Published December 16, 2025last updated December 17, 2025

China is closely following Donald Trump's Venezuela campaign. Beijing has been a vocal supporter of the oil-rich nation, but geopolitical tensions between the US and China mean it's now taking a more cautious approach.

China and Venezuela maintain a close alliance as Beijing seeks influence in Latin America and access to the region's vast oil reserves. Despite US sanctions and threats, Venezuela boosted oil exports to China from 351,000 barrels per day in 2024 to 463,000 in early 2025. While China offers moral support to President Maduro, experts say Beijing is unlikely to deepen ties with arms sales or major investments amid rising US-China tensions.

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