Sunday, September 23, 2018

China navy ship makes maiden visit to Venezuela after Maduro visit


As a sign of support for the nation of Venezuela, the Chinese government has for the first time allowed a naval ship to sail to Venezuela. This diplomatic move follows in the wake of a five year trend where the Maduro-led country has been dealing with hyperinflation and an economic recession. China has sent a medical ship to the area that will stop in multiple ports over an eight day stretch, in which the Chinese commander navigating the boat will meet with Venezuelan officials. It is important to note that President Nicolas Maduro visited Beijing last month where we was reported to be seeking financial support from China. This symbolic move is to show that China is still supporting their ally despite tensions arising from inconsistencies relating to China’s promise to financially aid Venezuela. The nation of Venezuela is a critical ally of China’s in South America, seeing as Venezuela has cold relations with the United States and is an oil-rich country. Relating to the, “trade-war” that the U.S. and China have been waging amongst each other, the decision to send a medical vessel on a diplomatic mission is both a reaffirming of Chinese-Venezuelan relations, and a reminder to the USA that China has been coalition-building with emerging nations in the continent of South America.     
Kevin Phelan
    

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