Archive · 24 Jan 2026
China's Venezuelan Oil Stake at Risk
China has a big stake in Venezuela's oil, but now the U.S. is making changes that could affect that.
The U.S. has been working to control Venezuela's oil, and this could mean that China might not be able to keep its oil deals there.
China has been buying a lot of oil from Venezuela, but the U.S. wants to make sure that the oil is sold at market prices.
This could be a problem for China because it has been getting oil from Venezuela at a discount.
The U.S. also wants to make sure that its competitors don't control the oil in the region.
It's not clear what will happen to China's oil companies in Venezuela, but the U.S. might try to push them out.
However, the U.S. also wants to help Venezuela's economy, so it might not be too hard on China.
It's a complicated situation, and it's not clear what will happen next.
China holds claims to 4.4 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil, nearly five times as much as Chevron.
The U.S. has asserted new power over Venezuela's oil patch, potentially impacting China's oil stake.
China was a major importer of Venezuelan oil, but U.S. intervention has disrupted that trade.
The U.S. wants to jump-start Venezuela's economy and maintain a working relationship with China.
It's unclear what will happen to China's oil companies in Venezuela, but the U.S. might try to push them out.
- Who
- U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese government-owned oil companies, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, U.S. oil executives, Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- What
- U.S. intervention in Venezuela's oil industry, potential impact on China's oil stake in Venezuela
- When
- After the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro this month, with historical context dating back to 2007
- Where
- Venezuela, with implications for U.S.-China relations and global oil markets
- Why
- U.S. assertion of new power over Venezuela's oil patch, desire to jump-start Venezuela's economy, and maintain a working relationship with China
- China's Oil Claims in Venezuela
- 4.4 billion barrels
- Chevron's Oil Claims in Venezuela
- 900 million barrels
- Venezuela's Oil Production
- Under 1 million barrels per day
- China's Share of Venezuelan Oil Production
- 15%
- Venezuela's Debt to China
- At least $10 billion
Sources
Clock Ticks In Cuba As Trump Cuts Off Venezuelan Oil
Trump has big plans for Venezuela’s oil. Are they realistic?
China built a vast oil stake in Venezuela. Now it risks getting muscled out.
US has taken oil from seized Venezuelan tankers, Trump tells NY Post
