U.S. President Donald Trump said he welcomes Chinese investments in Venezuela’s oil sector, as Caracas seeks to revive its exhausted economy following the ousting of its president, Nicolás Maduro.
Venezuela possesses the world’s largest proven oil reserves and amended its laws this week to open the sector to private and foreign investment.
China was the largest buyer of Venezuelan oil under Maduro, whose capture in a U.S. military operation on January 3rd and transfer to the United States drew condemnation from China’s foreign ministry and cast uncertainty over the future of relations between Beijing and Caracas.
– U.S. moves toward a ‘general easing’ of sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector
Speaking aboard Air Force One on Saturday, Trump said: “China is welcome to join in and make a big deal in oil. We welcome China.”
He noted that Venezuela’s acting President, Delcy Rodríguez, gave her approval on Friday for an energy cooperation agreement with India.
India’s Involvement
Trump stated: “India will join and will buy Venezuelan oil instead of buying it from Iran. We made that deal. The deal in broad strokes, but China is welcome to join and buy oil.”
He, who has mentioned on multiple occasions that Washington is now managing affairs in Venezuela, indicated that the United States and Caracas would share oil revenues, affirming that his country “is getting along very well with the leadership in Venezuela, and they are doing really well.”
He added: “We will sell a lot of oil, we will take some of it, they will get a lot, they will make more money than ever before, and it will be good for us.”
The U.S. President hinted at the possibility of the United States striking a “deal” with Cuba, following his threat to impose tariffs on countries dealing with it.
On Saturday he said: “I think they will probably come to us with a deal in mind, to make Cuba free again.”
He added: “I think we’ll make a deal with Cuba. And I think, you know, we’ll be nice.”
U.S. President Donald Trump
Donald Trump served as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021. A businessman and television personality with no prior political or military experience, his presidency was characterized by an “America First” agenda, significant tax reforms, and a distinctive, often controversial, communication style.
Venezuela
Venezuela is a South American country known for its diverse landscapes, including the Andes Mountains, Amazon rainforest, and the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls. Historically, it was a Spanish colony until achieving independence in the early 19th century under leaders like Simón Bolívar, and its modern economy has been heavily shaped by its vast petroleum reserves.
Caracas
Caracas is the capital and largest city of Venezuela, founded in 1567 by Spanish conquistador Diego de Losada. It grew as a colonial administrative center and later became a pivotal site for the South American independence movement, being the birthplace of Simón Bolívar. Today, it is a major metropolitan and cultural hub, though it faces significant economic and social challenges.
Nicolás Maduro
Nicolás Maduro is the current president of Venezuela, having assumed the office in 2013 following the death of his predecessor, Hugo Chávez. His presidency has been marked by a severe economic crisis, political turmoil, and significant international controversy and sanctions.
China
China is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over four millennia. It is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, which reflect its long imperial past and profound cultural achievements.
United States
The United States is a federal republic founded in 1776 following the American Revolution, which established its independence from Great Britain. Its history includes westward expansion, a civil war over slavery, and its emergence as a global superpower in the 20th century.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China, with a history spanning over three millennia as a major cultural and political center. It served as the seat of imperial power during the Ming and Qing dynasties and is home to iconic sites like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Today, it is a modern global metropolis that preserves its profound historical legacy.
Air Force One
Air Force One is the official air traffic control call sign for any United States Air Force aircraft carrying the President of the United States. The most recognizable planes are two highly customized Boeing 747-200B series aircraft, which entered service in 1990 and are equipped with advanced secure communications and defensive systems.
Delcy Rodríguez
Delcy Rodríguez is a Venezuelan politician who has served in high-level government roles, including as Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Her career is closely associated with the administrations of Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro, and she has been a prominent figure in Venezuelan politics and diplomacy since the early 2000s.
India
India is a vast South Asian nation with one of the world’s oldest civilizations, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization around 2500 BCE. Its long and complex history includes the rise of major religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, periods of rule by Mughal and British empires, and its eventual emergence as an independent republic in 1947. Today, it is renowned for its profound cultural diversity, ancient monuments, and vibrant traditions.
Iran
Iran, historically known as Persia, is home to one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a recorded history spanning thousands of years. Its rich cultural heritage includes numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the ancient ruins of Persepolis and the architectural marvels of Isfahan. The modern Islamic Republic was established in 1979 following a revolution that transformed the nation’s political system.
Washington
Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, was founded in 1790 following the Residence Act and named after the first U.S. president, George Washington. It is a planned city, distinct from any state, and is home to iconic national monuments, museums, and the branches of the federal government.
Cuba
Cuba is a Caribbean island nation with a complex history shaped by Spanish colonization, the Atlantic slave trade, and its 1959 socialist revolution. Its culture is a renowned fusion of Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, evident in its music, dance, and historic architecture in cities like Havana.
