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China-Latin America relations

China-Latin America relations
News, features and updates on Beijing's relations with various Latin American nations, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela and more.
Practitioners perform martial art next to a BYD Sealion 7 electric vehicle at Singapore Motorshow on January 9. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

Tesla’s defeat, Harvard’s success, Beijing’s shock: 7 US-China relations reads

From China’s EV power to Hegseth’s new threat, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in the first half of January 2026.

US-Venezuela conflict

Trump pick for South America command sidesteps China questions at Senate hearing

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US-Venezuela conflict

Venezuela’s Machado says she ‘presented’ her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump

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US-China relations

Brazil-China trade hits record US$171 billion in 2025 as US tariffs prompt pivot

The US is a distant second in trade volume with Brazil as Beijing helps soften the impact of Washington’s levies.

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A herd of cattle is seen at a farm in Sao Felix do Xingu, Para state, Brazil, in June last year. Total trade volume between Brazil and China rose 8.2 per cent year on year in 2025. Photo: AFP
US-Venezuela conflict

‘Expansion to defence’: China firms strategise in Latin America after Venezuela

After the abduction of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, many Chinese entrepreneurs in the region say they are staying put – for now.

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Venezuela

Supertankers sailing to pick up Venezuelan oil for China make U-turn: ship data

The Xingye and Thousand Sunny, which have not been the subject of sanctions, head back to Asia after weeks of idling in the Atlantic.

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Argentina

Argentina’s Milei plans 2026 China trip despite US pressure on ties

Leader cites China as a key trade partner, underscoring a sharp shift from his 2023 campaign attacks to a more pragmatic stance.

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Argentine President Javier Milei speaks at the America Business Forum at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, in November. Photo: Reuters
Asean

Opinion | Why US ops in Venezuela have shaken Asia-Pacific’s middle powers

Middle powers fear a return to ‘rules of the jungle’ geopolitics as rival powers carve out spheres of influence.

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US-Venezuela conflict

Trump says might keep Exxon out of Venezuela after CEO called it ‘uninvestable’

US president voices displeasure with the US company’s response to his initiative for Venezuela’s oil industry.

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US-Venezuela conflict

Open Questions | Zheng Yongnian on what US’ ‘neocolonialism’, Venezuela operation mean for China

Political scientist says the Western-led global order remains useful, and the Belt and Road Initiative isn’t a geopolitical project.

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez
US-Venezuela conflict

How far is China willing to help Cuba in face of increasing US pressure?

The Trump administration has turned the spotlight onto Havana after the abduction of former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

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The Cuban economy has been grappling with shortages for decades. Photo: AFP
US-Venezuela conflict

China says it is ‘deeply committed’ to Venezuela as ambassador meets new leader

Interim president Delcy Rodriguez thanked Beijing for its ‘firm and consistent’ stance following the abduction of Nicolas Maduro.

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United States

China and US coexistence in Venezuela possible, US energy chief says

Chris Wright sees a constructive role for Beijing but insists Washington must remain the dominant force controlling Venezuela’s oil flows.

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US-Venezuela conflict

Opinion | US invasion of Venezuela no guarantee of hemispheric dominance

By signalling how far it will go to defend its interests in Venezuela, the US might have intensified conflicts closer to home rather than resolving them.

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Ousted president Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela (second from right) and his wife Cilia Flores (second from left) arrive at the Wall Street Heliport in the New York City borough of Manhattan on January 5. Photo: TNS
US-Venezuela conflict

‘Odious debt’: why China is at risk of painful losses in post-Maduro Venezuela

China has lent Venezuela tens of billions of dollars in recent decades. But Caracas could simply declare those obligations void, analysts say.

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Vehicles drive past the El Palito refinery in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela. Photo: AP
US-Venezuela conflict

US won’t rule out pressuring Venezuela to curb China, Russia ties

White House vows continued ‘American dominance in the western hemisphere’ as Trump claims Caracas will now buy ‘only American-made’ products.

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United States

As I see it | Monroe Doctrine 2.0 portends the end of the US empire

The eerie return of the 19th century foreign policy doctrine indicates a declining empire seeking to consolidate power in its own backyard.

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US-Venezuela conflict

Venezuela attack seen as reminder for China to boost air defence, intelligence

Lessons for Beijing include the need to upgrade hardware, protect state secrets and prevent infiltration, experts say.

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Venezuela had Chinese JY-27A radar systems among its air defences but the US military blinded and disrupted its defences to attack and abduct Nicolas Maduro at the weekend. Photo: Weibo
US-Venezuela conflict

Chinese business owner in Venezuela warns of spillover after Maduro’s abduction

Chinese entrepreneurs have returned to South American nation in recent years, but some fear consequences after Washington’s intervention.

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US-Venezuela conflict

BBC journalists reportedly told to avoid saying US ‘kidnapped’ Venezuela’s Maduro

Leaked memo from British broadcaster also instructs staff to use ‘captured’ when referring to America’s description of the military raid.

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Venezuela

Video | With Maduro out, are Chinese investments in Venezuela at risk?

US move calls into question China’s future financial commitments in the Latin American country, potentially hurting Beijing’s regional strategy.

US move calls into question China’s future financial commitments in Latin American country, potentially hurting Beijing’s regional strategy.
US-Venezuela conflict

China condemns US raid on Venezuela amid UN stalemate

Toppling of President Maduro by US forces splits UN council, undermines international order and sows doubt in Latin American governments about Chinese and Russian support.

China’s deputy UN ambassador Lei Sun addresses the Security Council. Photo: AP
Science

China’s sensitive technology at risk after Trump abducts Venezuela leader Maduro

From oil infrastructure to telecommunications, Chinese investments in the country have been long-standing and extensive.

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US-Venezuela conflict

Venezuela seeks to show it is operating free from US control

Venezuelan parliament swears in interim president after Maduro’s ouster, as opposition leader Machado vows to return ‘as soon as possible’.

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US-Venezuela conflict

China, Russia won’t ‘dare test’ US, says Hegseth after Venezuela military op

US Secretary of Defence believes show of ‘absolute deterrence’ sends clear message to their ‘enemies’ and the ‘world is taking notice’.

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US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth arrives for a briefing with bicameral congressional leadership in Washington on Monday. Hegseth believes the recent US military operation in Venezuela proves that his country is rebuilding its military dominance. Photo: Getty Images via AFP
United States

Editorial | US strike on Venezuela signals worrying return to gunboat diplomacy

One big concern for China is that America’s actions can create even more uncertainties than Trump’s tariff and trade policies.

President Donald Trump monitors US military operations in Venezuela, with CIA Director John Ratcliffe (left) and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on January 3. Photo: The White House via AP
US-Venezuela conflict

US ousting of Maduro prompts region to reassess China – and Trump’s next move

Trump hints at wider action as Latin American governments weigh sovereignty, China ties and US dominance.

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US-Venezuela conflict

‘Shocked’ China demands immediate release of Nicolas Maduro

At an ‘emergency’ meeting of the UN Security Council, Chinese envoy Sun Lei says Beijing ‘strongly condemns’ Maduro’s capture by US.

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