China in South and Central America

Venezuela

• Through increasingly deep diplomatic relations, Chavez  and CCP Politburo member Li Changchun signed six cooperation agreements to “explore for new oil and gas deposits in both countries, and to extract, transport, store and refine these resources,” mostly through the implementation of joint ventures.  Chinese investment in Venezuela is the most of any other nation in the region, and the Chinese intend to add another $4 billion through the new fund.

ViewsWire. "Venezuela/China politics: Charm offensive." Economist Intelligence Unit 2 April 2007.

• La Jornada, one of Mexico’s leading newspapers, reports that “until now, in Venezuela primarily Chinese workers have been hired.”