For the past five years, Venezuela has suffered through persistent political and economic crises that have led to chronic shortages of food, fuel, electricity and running water. More than 5 million people have fled, triggering a refugee crisis in neighboring countries. China is currently Venezuela’s richest and most powerful international partner and could play a greater role than any other external actor in helping to stabilize Venezuela. But to date, Beijing has remained largely on the sidelines regarding humanitarian relief and silent on the broader political crisis.

China-Venezuela relations were strong at the outset of the 21st Century, but there are indications that China may be growing dissatisfied with the status quo. These include failed infrastructure projects, labor disputes, the challenges of navigating oil embargos and, most importantly, Venezuela’s inability to repay billions of dollars in loans from China. These economic interests will most likely be an important consideration as Beijing navigates its possible involvement in resolving the crisis.

On July 22, USIP hosted a discussion on the nature of the China-Venezuela relationship, the role China could realistically play in support of a negotiated political settlement and how Washington and Beijing may be able to find common ground on key issues.

Continue the conversation on Twitter using #ChinaVenezuelaUSIP

Speakers

Keith Mines, opening remarks
Director, Latin America Programs, U.S. Institute of Peace

Adriana Erthal Abdenur,
Executive Director, Plataforma CIPÓ (Brazil)

Marialbert Barrios
Deputy, Primero Justicia, National Assembly of Venezuela 

Matthew Ferchen 
Research Fellow, Leiden University

Yuan Mengqi 
Researcher, China-Latin America Issues, Institute for International and Area Studies, Tsinghua University

Joseph Tucker
Senior Expert, Greater Horn of Africa, U.S. Institute of Peace

Amb. Thomas A. Shannon Jr., closing remarks
U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, 2016-2018

Henry Tugendhat, moderator
Senior Policy Analyst, China, U.S. Institute of Peace

Related Publications

Un avance sobre las elecciones de 2024 en América Latina

Un avance sobre las elecciones de 2024 en América Latina

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

By: Lucila Del Aguila Llausas;  Nicolás Devia-Valbuena;  Mark Feierstein;  Keith Mines;  Mary Speck, Ph.D.

En los últimos años, el sentimiento anti-oficialista se ha apoderado de la mayoría de América Latina, moviendo el péndulo electoral hacia la izquierda en México, Colombia, Honduras y Brasil, trastocando las coaliciones corruptas que durante mucho tiempo han gobernado en Guatemala y entregando la presidencia de Argentina a un autoproclamado "anarcocapitalista". Sin embargo, el 2024 podría resultar ser un buen año para los candidatos del oficialismo. En los cinco países con elecciones este año —El Salvador, Panamá, República Dominicana, Uruguay y México—, los aspirantes de los partidos gobernantes, al menos hasta ahora, encabezan las encuestas.

Type: Analysis

Democracy & GovernanceGlobal Elections & Conflict

A Preview of 2024 Elections Throughout Latin America

A Preview of 2024 Elections Throughout Latin America

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

By: Lucila Del Aguila Llausas;  Nicolás Devia-Valbuena;  Mark Feierstein;  Keith Mines;  Mary Speck, Ph.D.

Anti-incumbent sentiment has gripped much of Latin America in recent years, swinging electoral results leftward in Mexico, Colombia, Honduras and Brazil, upending the corrupt coalitions that have long ruled Guatemala, and handing the presidency of Argentina to a self-proclaimed “anarcho-capitalist.” But 2024 may prove to be a good year for establishment politicians. In the five countries with elections on the calendar — El Salvador, Panama, Dominican Republic, Uruguay and Mexico — insider candidates are polling ahead, at least so far.

Type: Analysis

Democracy & GovernanceGlobal Elections & Conflict

Cautious Hopes for a Breakthrough in Venezuela

Cautious Hopes for a Breakthrough in Venezuela

Monday, October 16, 2023

By: Mark Feierstein

Hopes that an election in Venezuela next year might resolve the country’s political divisions and revive a moribund economy have reemerged as the Biden administration and Nicolás Maduro’s regime are reportedly near an agreement to lift some U.S. sanctions in return for steps to hold a fair contest in 2024. Still, considering recent history, skepticism abounds among the international community that the authoritarian government would allow an opposition candidate to win the election and take office.

Type: Analysis

Democracy & Governance

View All Publications