China and Venezuela: Ambitions and Complexities of an Improving Relationship

The relationship between China and Venezuela has experienced a comprehensive and rapid development in recent years, both economically and politically and in other areas. The establishment of a "strategic partnership" between the two countries in 2001 has defined a stable framework for collaboration. China and Venezuela established diplomatic relations in June 1974 but it was with the start of the presidency of Hugo Chavez (1998) when relations intensified dramatically. In that recognized and open impulse, that Caracas defined as a "perfect match,” it should be noted, however, some important reservations.