China Worried Over US Control of Venezuela, Fears Threat to Strategic Technologies

China has expressed concern over the recent US takeover in Venezuela, calling for the release of ousted President Nicolás Maduro. Beijing fears that American control over Venezuela could give Washington access to several critical Chinese technologies while undermining China’s strategic presence in the region.

US Actions in Venezuela Raise Tensions with China

Beijing is reportedly on high alert following the US operation in which President Maduro and his wife were captured and presented for trial in a New York court. Chinese officials are particularly concerned that US control could compromise their satellite tracking stations and other sensitive technological infrastructure in Venezuela. This includes Chinese radar systems and air defense technology capable of tracking fifth-generation fighter jets. Additionally, China has made significant investments in Venezuela’s oilfields and telecommunications networks.

Threat to Chinese Satellite Tracking Stations

China operates the El Sombrero tracking station at Captain Manuel Rios Airbase and a backup facility in Lupa, Bolivar State. These stations support Venezuela’s only active remote sensing satellite and are among the few foreign ground facilities accessible to China. Built by state-owned China Great Wall Industry Corporation, the stations handle telemetry, tracking, and command operations for the VRSS-2 civil Earth observation satellite, which China developed and launched for Venezuela in 2017.

Risks to Chinese Petroleum Investments

China is Venezuela’s largest foreign investor and one of its top oil buyers. Its deep involvement in the petroleum sector now faces potential disruption. Chinese engineers, as noted in a 2014 China National Petroleum Corporation pamphlet, helped overhaul Venezuela’s old oil fields with modern drilling rigs, water-flooding systems, and refinery upgrades, increasing production up to eightfold in some areas.

Telecommunications Exposure

China also holds significant stakes in Venezuela’s telecommunications infrastructure. Huawei and ZTE have helped build the country’s primary digital networks, covering 4G connectivity, mobile phone assembly, and cybersecurity systems. Beijing fears that under a US-backed government, Chinese companies could face contract cancellations, restrictions, or sanctions. Huawei has been operating in Venezuela since 1999, collaborating with the state-owned telecom operator CANTV for over two decades.

With its investments and technology at risk, China is closely monitoring developments in Venezuela, wary of potential US influence over its strategic foothold in Latin America.