After Maduro: The Current State of China-Venezuela Relations

China's relationship with Venezuela has shifted from a cornerstone of its South American strategy to a visibly diminished partnership. After more than two decades of oil-backed lending, infrastructure investment, and strategic cooperation, Beijing has responded cautiously as U.S. control over Venezuelan oil assets displaces Chinese interests. The relationship now appears to occupy a gray zone: neither a full continuation of the pre-2026 partnership nor a formal rupture. China's limited response reflects the declining importance of Venezuela relative to Brazil, Peru, and Chile, while its remaining assets and longstanding interests give Beijing reasons to preserve a smaller presence. Andrea Freites, China researcher at the Millennium Nucleus on the Impacts of China in Latin America and the Caribbean, joins Eric to talk about the future of China-Venezuela relations, including Beijing's response to the political transition, the fate of Chinese oil interests, and the prospects for a smaller but enduring Chinese presence. 📌 Topics Covered in This Episode China's changing role in Venezuela  The fate of Chinese oil interests  Beijing's response to Maduro's removal  The future of China-Venezuela relations Join the Discussion: X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander I @afreitesh Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social Follow CGSP in French and Spanish:  French: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Spanish: www.chinalasamericas.com | @ChinaAmericas