Former US president Donald Trump’s seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro abruptly disrupted decades of Chinese diplomatic and economic engagement with Caracas.
The operation came hours after Maduro publicly praised Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting with senior Chinese diplomats.
Beijing condemned Washington’s actions, accusing the US of acting as a self-appointed global arbiter and violating state sovereignty.
China has invested heavily in Venezuela’s oil sector and infrastructure, making the country a key South American partner.
Analysts say the sudden US intervention has forced Beijing to reassess risks to its assets and influence in the region.
Trump’s move is widely seen as a bid to secure Venezuelan oil and counter Chinese influence in the western hemisphere.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US would not allow rivals to use the region as a base of operations.
Chinese officials are now weighing how to protect their foothold in Latin America without derailing fragile trade ties with Washington.
Some observers note rising debate in China over whether US actions abroad set precedents for future conflicts.
Experts stress that China’s approach towards Taiwan remains unchanged despite developments in Venezuela.
China currently receives the majority of Venezuelan oil exports, though this accounts for a small share of its total imports.
Analysts warn that ongoing instability could deter future Chinese investment across South America.
Beijing is expected to continue promoting itself as a stable alternative partner to US influence in the Global South.