1. El Universal
Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Chavez Frias introduced himself to Venezuela and the world in the most dramatic and tragic manner: a failed coup, including violence and death. He would build up a legend that now crosses over another level. … A cycle seems to be ending, along with the extremely personal style of the so-called Bolivarian revolution. A new stage of Chavezism without Chavez has begun. Perhaps, [if the] people's maturity [permits] amid changes and turbulence, the opportunity can be seized to resume necessary and feasible plans and projects towards a new horizon … generating peace and progress. The history has just begun. Perhaps it is time to rewrite it; doing it better this time. (Caracas)
2. Global Times
The national strength of Venezuela is limited, but the personal influence wielded by Chavez far exceeded support of his country. … [His] reputation has proven that a leader's standing on the world stage is closely linked to their [ties] with the US. … Subtle relations between Latin America and the US may offer a lesson for China. China is not like the US, which has the great desire and capability to control others. China should work more positively with Latin America, which is in accordance with the region's wishes and offers an alternative to the US having the final say. … Chavez was an old friend of the Chinese people. His rocky relationship with the US will be judged in history by the Americas. (Beijing)
