China’s Potential Role in Venezuela’s Political and Humanitarian Crisis
Channel: United States Institute of Peace
Date: 2021-07-22

For the past five years, Venezuela has suffered through persistent political and economic crises that have led to chronic shortages of food, fuel, electricity and running water. More than 5 million people have fled, triggering a refugee crisis in neighboring countries. China is currently Venezuela’s richest and most powerful international partner and could play a greater role than any other external actor in helping to stabilize Venezuela. But to date, Beijing has remained largely on the sidelines regarding humanitarian relief and silent on the broader political crisis.

China-Venezuela relations were strong at the outset of the 21st Century, but there are indications that China may be growing dissatisfied with the status quo. These include failed infrastructure projects, labor disputes, the challenges of navigating oil embargos and, most importantly, Venezuela’s inability to repay billions of dollars in loans from China. These economic interests will most likely be an important consideration as Beijing navigates its possible involvement in resolving the crisis.
  
On July 22, USIP hd ostea discussion on the nature of the China-Venezuela relationship, the role China could realistically play in support of a negotiated political settlement and how Washington and Beijing may be able to find common ground on key issues.

Speakers:

Keith Mines, opening remarks
Director, Latin America Programs, U.S. Institute of Peace

Adriana Erthal Abdenur,
Executive Director, Plataforma CIPÓ (Brazil)

Marialbert Barrios
Deputy, Primero Justicia, National Assembly of Venezuela 

Matthew Ferchen 
Research Fellow, Leiden University

Yuan Mengqi 
Researcher, China-Latin America Issues, Institute for International and Area Studies, Tsinghua University

Joseph Tucker
Senior Expert, Greater Horn of Africa, U.S. Institute of Peace

Amb. Thomas A. Shannon Jr., closing remarks
U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, 2016-2018

Henry Tugendhat, moderator
Senior Policy Analyst, China, U.S. Institute of Peace

For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.usip.org/events/chinas-potential-role-venezuelas-political-and-humanitarian-crisis

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The United States Institute of Peace is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical, and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. To reduce future crises and the need for costly interventions, USIP works with governments and civil societies to help their countries solve their own problems peacefully. The Institute provides expertise, training, analysis, and support to those who are working to build a more peaceful, inclusive world.