China's $60 Billion Bet on Venezuela Now in U.S. Hands

The U.S. government's move to detain Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has thrown China's massive financial stake in the country into doubt. For years, China loaned Venezuela over $60 billion, secured by payments of oil. This made Venezuela China's largest foreign borrower. Experts call it a high-risk strategy built on close ties with Maduro's government. Now, with Maduro facing U.S. legal action and an uncertain political future, that strategy is under threat. Analysts say Beijing faces a new period of instability. Its loans and oil supply agreements are now tied to a leader whose power is directly challenged by Washington. China has not commented on the arrest. The situation leaves Beijing with a difficult choice: attempt to negotiate with any new U.S.-influenced government or risk losing its billions.