China has denounced the American military intervention in Venezuela while reaffirming its desire to protect its economic interests in the country, a posture which allows it to present itself as a “force of stability” in the face of Washington’s unilateralism, analysts say.
Beijing reacted quickly to the attack, expressing “deep concern” and calling for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty. Chinese authorities have urged the United States to prioritize dialogue to resolve the crisis.
During a press briefing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China maintained “positive communication and cooperation” with Venezuela. He added that Beijing’s desire to strengthen this cooperation, particularly in the oil sector, “will not change, whatever the evolution of the situation.”
A diplomatic opportunity, but economic risks
American intervention allows China to strengthen its international image, explains Zichen Wang, researcher at the Center for China and Globalization. “This crisis helps China consolidate its position as a force for stability in the world,” he said, cited by Reuters.
But this posture comes with concerns. “What happens next is very worrying because China has a lot of business interests in Venezuela,” Zichen Wang added, highlighting the risk of a broader impact on Chinese activities in Latin America.
According to data from the American firm Rhodium Group, Chinese companies – mostly state-owned – have invested around $4.8 billion in Venezuela over the past two decades, mainly in energy projects. The majority of these investments were made in the decade following the 2008 global financial crisis, mainly during the 2010s.
A limited issue for Beijing, Taiwan unchanged
Despite this commitment, Venezuela’s weight remains modest for the Chinese economy. The country accounted for just 2% of China’s oil and condensate imports in 2024, according to figures from the US Energy Information Administration.
This reality explains Beijing’s caution, analyzes Yue Su, senior economist for China at the Economist Intelligence Unit.
“China above all seeks to protect its interests without being drawn into conflict,” she explains, believing that Venezuela is of limited economic and geopolitical importance for Beijing.
Finally, analysts emphasize that the Venezuelan crisis does not modify the Chinese position on Taiwan, considered a central strategic issue.
“This is a major crisis, but it does not change China’s modus operandi or expectations regarding its relationship with the United States,” Dan Wang, director at Eurasia Group, said on CNBC.
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