Trump Signals Support for Chinese Investment in Venezuela’s Oil Sector to Rebuild Economy

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to facilitate Chinese investment in Venezuela’s oil industry, saying such investment could play a positive role in rebuilding the country’s shattered economy following the fall of former president Nicolás Maduro.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Saturday, Trump said Venezuela’s vast oil resources and recent legal changes allowing foreign and private investment make Chinese involvement beneficial for economic recovery. Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, and has recently amended laws to open its energy sector to international investors.

China was Venezuela’s largest oil buyer during Maduro’s rule. However, uncertainty surrounded future ties between Beijing and Caracas after Maduro was detained by US forces on January 3. Addressing those concerns, Trump said Washington would welcome China if it seeks to strike major oil deals in Venezuela.

“If China wants to go into Venezuela and make a big oil deal, that’s fine with us,” Trump said, signaling a shift toward pragmatic engagement.

Trump also revealed that Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez has reached an energy cooperation agreement with India, under which India will source oil from Venezuela instead of Iran.

Claiming that the United States now exercises significant influence over Venezuela’s current situation, Trump said oil profits will be shared between Washington and Caracas. He expressed confidence that relations with Venezuela’s current leadership are strong and that the country will earn more revenue than ever before—developments he said would ultimately benefit the United States as well.

Trump also struck a conciliatory tone on Cuba, despite previously threatening tariffs against countries supplying oil to the island nation. He indicated that Washington is now considering a negotiated settlement.

“We may reach a deal on Cuba’s independence,” Trump said, adding that the United States would take a “very generous” approach. According to Trump, Cuba itself is likely to approach Washington with a reasonable proposal as it seeks to overcome its ongoing crisis.

The remarks signal a potential recalibration of US policy toward Latin America and key global energy players, emphasizing economic leverage and negotiated settlements over confrontation.