But experts increasingly doubt the Trump administration’s Venezuela policy will weaken China — and see signs he may end up benefiting it. Venezuela holds the world’s largest oil reserves, which have been underutilized for years. When Trump gathered leading executives from American oil companies at the White House to discuss Venezuela on Friday, the business figures were clear about their hesitation to get involved there. Chinese oil supplies seem unlikely to be at risk. AdvertisementUltimately, the post-invasion development of Iraq’s significant oil reserves involved “primarily Chinese companies [that were] willing to go in,” he said.

Source: Huffington Post January 14, 2026 12:10 UTC