President Donald Trump said the he maintains a “very good relationship” with Chinese President Xi Jinping and suggested China would not object to the U.S. operation in Venezuela, comments that came as Beijing publicly condemned the strike and after a Chinese envoy had just visited Caracas.
Why It Matters
The remarks highlight growing scrutiny over how U.S. military and economic actions in Venezuela intersect with China’s strategic interests in the region, particularly energy and diplomacy in Latin America.
What to Know
Speaking on Fox & Friends, Trump said the U.S. would be “very much involved” in Venezuela’s oil sector going forward and indicated that China would still be able to access oil supplies, emphasizing his personal relationship with Xi and stating China “won’t have a problem”.
China’s Foreign Ministry responded sharply, saying Beijing was “deeply shocked” and “strongly condemns” what it described as the U.S.’s use of force against a sovereign state, warning that the action violated international law and threatened regional stability, according to an official statement.
The diplomatic tension comes days after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro hosted President Xi’s special envoy, Qiu Xiaoqi, in Caracas, where both sides reaffirmed their status as “all-weather strategic partners,” Venezuelan state media reported via local coverage.
What People Are Saying
Some analysts and commentators argued the timing of the strike sent a direct signal to Beijing, with claims circulating online that the U.S. acted after Chinese officials arrived in Venezuela, framing it as a warning to China, according to a widely shared post by independent commentators.
What Happens Next
China is expected to continue diplomatic protests while maintaining its economic footprint in Venezuela, particularly in the oil sector. Meanwhile, U.S. officials have signaled deeper involvement in Venezuela’s energy industry, setting the stage for further geopolitical friction between Washington and Beijing in the region.
