At this point in 2025, the global situation is not peaceful. Who would have thought that under years of blockade and suppression by the West, Venezuela, a place once labeled as a "collapsed country", actually ushered in an economic rebound.
What's even more surprising is that the driving force behind this reversal is not the traditional European and American countries, but China.
Venezuela is no longer wandering between many sides, it has simply chosen one direction, getting closer and closer to China, and even directly into the ranks of “all-weather strategic partners.”
From being surrounded to self-rescue, Venezuela was really forced into a corner
First, explain why Venezuela has fallen to this point.This country is actually talented and rich in resources, especially oil, which can be said to be underground "treasure".
But the problem is that having resources does not represent a good day, because the key to determining the fate of resources is in whose hands and where the interest flows.
For many years, Venezuela’s resources have been largely controlled by external forces, and the country has oil fields, but most of its profits are not left in the hands of its people.
Coupled with political instability, economic policies have also been wavering for a long time. Once the international oil price falls, the whole country will immediately become empty as if blood has been drawn.
That's not the worst part. What really plunged Venezuela into a desperate situation was a series of sanctions led by the West.
These sanctions are not one or two, but a whole range of pressures, with the economy, finance, energy, technology, trade, almost no area to survive.Their national assets are frozen, oil exports are restricted, and even gold can not leave the country.
What's more, western countries have also openly supported the opposition in an attempt to overthrow the current government. This internal and external attack pushed Venezuela to the edge of the cliff.
At that time, inflation in the country was out of control, social instability, infrastructure paralyzed, and the basic lives of the people became a problem.
For a time, the label of the so-called "failed country" was firmly adhered, and Venezuela almost became an international island.
At the hardest of times, China did not leave.
Just when others were crying and hiding far away, China chose to continue cooperation. This choice actually carries a lot of weight. Not because Venezuela is "worthy," but because China sees further.
China-Venezuela cooperation has not just begun recently, it has been founded a long time ago.Ten years ago, the two countries cooperated in energy, infrastructure and other fields.
Over the years, the cooperation model has also been constantly adjusted. From the initial oil cooperation, to later loan support, to technical and equipment assistance, China has always maintained a stable pace and has not fled because of external changes.
Especially in the most difficult times in Venezuela, China has not stopped aid, but instead accelerated the pace.On the one hand, it continues to provide economic support; on the other hand, it also helps them enhance their technical capabilities so that they can operate in difficult situations.
This kind of cooperation is not a simple investment, but more like a "bottom-up". Because in that international environment, there are almost no countries that can help.
Not only that, China is also actively involved in local people's livelihoods projects to improve the basic conditions.These are the most basic services, such as water supply, electricity supply, medical care, China's teams are working out.
It can be said that this kind of cooperation not only has an effect on Venezuela's economy, but also gives them some "breathing space."
Venezuela’s “turning back” is a rational choice
By 2024, the situation in Venezuela had finally begun to stabilize.The economy had risen and the social order had slowly recovered.At this time, they did not choose to look back to the West, but to move more firmly toward the East.
In the past few years, the West's attitude towards Venezuela has been very clear, that is, complete suppression and complete isolation. Not only did they deny aid, but they also tried to oust the current government through various means.
In this context, the Venezuelan government naturally needs to find a new way out. However, China's support, without conditions or interference, allowed them to see the possibility of more secure cooperation.
On the political level, Venezuela is also very clear and firm in matters involving China’s core interests.This “stand-up” is not a momentary rise, but is built on the basis of long-term mutual trust.
On international occasions, Venezuela has repeatedly spoken out in support of China’s claims and firmly opposed external forces to interfere in the domestic affairs of others.
Furthermore, Venezuela is also actively promoting deep ties with China. In terms of communication technology, they prioritize Chinese companies. In terms of settlement of currencies, they begin to use RMB for bilateral trade. These moves seem to be cooperation at the technical level and are a clear indication of the direction of future development.
Backed by China, Venezuela has found a "living method"
Venezuela chose to cooperate deeply with China, in the final analysis, for the survival and development of the country. They understand that true independence can't be exchanged by western assistance, and it is possible to embark on a stable development path only by China's cooperation.
In terms of practical effects, this path does not bring change.The economy has begun to recover, the society has gradually stabilized, and the government’s support rate has not rebounded.These changes, although they have not yet completely brought the country out of trouble, have given people hope.
For China, Venezuela's "proximity" is not a unilateral benefit. It means that China has more stable partners in the global energy layout; at the geopolitical level, China has a new bridgehead in the Western Hemisphere; and in terms of the output of its development model, China has an additional sample to show.
This “win-win” situation is actually the true meaning of “all-weather strategic partners”.
More importantly, the Venezuelan transformation also provides a real reference to other developing countries.When faced with pressure from the West, is it to continue to endure or to look for new paths?
Venezuela used its own experience to give a different answer. This is not a simple "stand in line", but a choice of development direction
Looking back at the changes in the international landscape over the years, more and more countries have begun to re-evaluate their relations with the West. The former way of cooperation “Listen to me, I give you a chance” is losing its appeal.
China’s performance in this area is convincing, without interference, without additional political conditions, cooperation is flexible, focusing on capacity building and long-term stability.
Venezuela is willing to be “honest” because it sees the sustainability of China’s cooperation.
China's choice of Venezuela reflects its understanding of the global multi-polar pattern. In the current period of highly uncertain international situation, whoever can establish more stable and credible partnerships will be able to take the initiative in future competition.
conclusion
Venezuela’s “close approach” to China is not only a successful diplomatic practice for China, but also an effective landmark for the development concept.
In future international relations, such "all-weather strategic partnerships" may become more and more. As more and more countries begin to redefine the meaning of "cooperation", the real restructuring of the global landscape has quietly begun.
In this smoke-free game, whoever wins trust with actual action, wins the future.
Source: Why Can Venezuela Become China’s Old Railway? —2025-09-29 16:38· Goldman Sachs