Holding a Huawei Phone and Saying "Nihao, Xiexie": What's Going On With the Venezuelan President?

Maduro Seeks Closer Ties with China Amid Escalating U.S. Military Threats
Showcases Xi Jinping's Gift, Says "We Communicate via Satellite... Nihao, Xiexie"

Nicolas Maduro, the iron-fisted ruler of Venezuela, who has been in conflict with the United States, has openly showcased his close ties with China. On August 23 (local time), Yonhap News, citing U.S. broadcaster CNN, reported that "President Maduro, during an educational event on August 14, introduced a new mobile phone gifted by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the audience while discussing ways to learn new things."

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro held a Huawei smartphone and spoke in Chinese, showcasing close ties with China. Venezuelan Presidential Office YouTube

During his speech, President Maduro said, "If I want to learn how to use this new Huawei smartphone, the most advanced product in the world," then took out the phone and added, "This is something President Xi gave me, and I communicate with him via satellite." He then pretended to make a call in Chinese, saying, "Nihao (hello), nihao, xiexie (thank you)."

According to Yonhap News, Venezuela has established an "all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership" with China, which is the highest level of diplomatic relationship that China maintains with only a handful of countries. Last week, after meeting with Lan Hu, the Chinese ambassador to Venezuela, President Maduro also highlighted the cooperative relationship with China on social media. He stated, "I am pleased that this year has seen progress in mutual cooperation with our sister nation China in the fields of economy, science, technology, and artificial intelligence projects."

The reason behind President Maduro's emphasis on friendship with China is believed to be the all-encompassing threats from the United States targeting both Venezuela and himself. Recently, the United States announced the deployment of three Aegis destroyers and more than 4,000 military personnel to the Caribbean Sea near Venezuela, claiming it is to block drug cartels. In addition, the U.S. has labeled President Maduro as one of the world's largest drug traffickers and has doubled the reward for his capture to $50 million (approximately 62.3 billion won).

In contrast, China is providing indirect support to Venezuela in response to the United States. At a briefing on the 21st, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated, "We oppose the use or threat of force and any external interference in Venezuela's internal affairs under any pretext in international relations," adding, "We hope the United States will take more actions to contribute to peace and stability in Latin America and the Caribbean."

President Maduro has announced plans to deploy 4.5 million militia members nationwide in response to the United States. CNN commented on Maduro's overtures to China, saying, "Even if it may seem trivial, it signals that Venezuela feels the need to publicly demonstrate its friendly ties with China amid tensions with the United States."