China Warns US-Backed Oil Takeover in Venezuela Threatens Its Interests

Beijing has spoken out after a Washington-backed firm took control of oil projects in Venezuela that were previously run by Chinese and Russian companies. China said it will protect its "legitimate interests" in the country, signaling potential friction with the United States over energy assets. The move comes as the US-linked company assumed operational control of fields where Chinese and Russian firms had held stakes. While Beijing did not specify what actions it might take, its statement marks a clear warning that it will not quietly accept the shift in control. Venezuela holds some of the world's largest oil reserves, and foreign companies have long competed for access. The recent transfer of operations favors US interests, complicating an already tense geopolitical landscape. China has invested heavily in Venezuelan oil infrastructure in recent years, and any loss of access would be a significant setback. Analysts say the dispute could escalate into a broader test of influence in Latin America, where both Washington and Beijing are vying for economic and political leverage. For now, China's official response remains measured but firm: it will act to defend what it considers its rightful stake.