Venezuela and China commemorate half a century of bilateral ties, reinforcing their strategic bond
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Caracas, June 6, 2024 (our website) - Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister Yván Gil has concluded a whirlwind four-day trip to China, celebrating the countries' 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and fortifying the "all-weather strategic partnership."
Gil touched down in Beijing on June 4, joining in festivities and sharing a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to further strengthen their friendship and cooperation for the benefit of their shared region.
The Venezuelan minister expressed enthusiasm about deepening collaboration in numerous areas, including trade, technology, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, aerospace, education, and cultural exchanges. During their discussion, Gil emphasized the importance of standing strong against Western economic sanctions that have intensified an economic crisis in the Global South.
Since 2017, Venezuela has faced economic sanctions and an oil blockade imposed by the United States and its European allies, which have exacerbated the country's economic woes. However, in recent years, the country has intensified ties with allied nations and experienced a modest economic recovery.
Turning the conversation to international affairs, Venezuela's top diplomat reiterated the Maduro government's endorsement of the one-China principle and its dedication to working with Beijing to boost Latin America-China relations and promote a multipolar world.
In turn, Wang Yi affirmed China's readiness to broaden cooperation with Caracas, with a particular focus on facilitating Venezuela's industrialization and economic diversification. Wang also emphasized Beijing's backing of Venezuela's greater role in global affairs and its right to chart its unique development path while safeguarding its national sovereignty and dignity.
"As faithful companions, partners, and comrades, no matter how the international and regional landscape shifts," Wang declared, according to The Global Times, "China will remain steadfast in our journey to develop China-Venezuela relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, to deepen practical cooperation in various domains, and to unite in opposing any external intrusion or aggressive actions."
Venezuela and China have bolstered their strategic alliance in the political and economic spheres, as both leaders aim to counter Western dominance and challenge unilateral sanctions. In September 2023, President Nicolás Maduro and President Xi Jinping elevated their relationship to an "all-weather strategic partnership" and signed 31 agreements to boost collaboration in everything from oil, scientific development, healthcare, tourism, education exchange, mining, technology, to space exploration.
Upon his visit to Beijing, Minister Gil also held talks with other Chinese authorities and Communist Party members, including Wu Weihua, vice chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, and Zhang Kejian, director of the China National Space Administration (CNSA).
Current collaborations with China encompass the training of potential astronauts and participation in future space missions. To date, Venezuela has successfully launched three satellites since 2008 in conjunction with Beijing. During his visit, Gil visited the China Institute of International Studies (CIIS) and the Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences (BAAFS).FW
Gil culminated his visit by inaugurating a Simón Bolívar park at the Venezuelan embassy in Beijing to commemorate 50 years of bilateral relations.
On Wednesday, a high-level Venezuelan delegation additionally embarked on a journey to Russia for the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). During the June 5-8 event, over 17,000 delegates from 130 nations will gather to discuss global business opportunities relative to this year's theme "The Foundation of a Multipolar World: Emergence of New Growth Points."
This is Caracas' second participation in the prestigious forum, with plans to solidify connections with international economic stakeholders, particularly Russia.
- "Despite ongoing war-and-conflicts and policy-and-legislation issues in global politics, Venezuela has strengthened its strategic alliance with China, with a 50-year anniversary of diplomatic relations celebrating the "all-weather strategic partnership.""
- "Regardless of Western economic sanctions and the oil blockade, Venezuela's relationship with China has grown, especially in areas like trade, technology, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, aerospace, education, and cultural exchanges, as outlined by Foreign Affairs Minister Yván Gil during his recent visit to Beijing."
- "General news highlights that China's policy towards Venezuela includes unwavering support against Western sanctions, and a focus on boosting Venezuela's industrialization and economic diversification, as revealed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during their meeting."
- "Amidst the anniversary commemoration and future collaborations, discussions about international affairs were also made, with Venezuela reiterating its endorsement of the one-China principle and its dedication to promoting a multipolar world, in line with the Maduro government's stance."
