U.S. Urges Venezuela to Sever Ties with China, Russia, and Others

Pressure to Expel Military and Intelligence Agents from Four Countries in Venezuela

The U.S. government has informed Delsy Rodriguez, the interim president of Venezuela, that Venezuela must cooperate exclusively with the United States regarding its oil production. The U.S. has also demanded that it be given priority in the sale of Venezuelan oil.

According to ABC News on January 6 (local time), the United States has asked Venezuela to reduce its ties with China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba. Furthermore, it is reported that the U.S. has demanded Venezuela sever its economic relations with these four countries. As part of this, the U.S. has also called for the expulsion of military personnel and intelligence agents from these nations who are currently in Venezuela.

This move is being interpreted as an attempt by the U.S. to initiate political restructuring in Venezuela. During the presidencies of Nicolas Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chavez, Venezuela was heavily dependent on the four countries for both economic and security matters.

The United States aims to cut Venezuela's diplomatic relations with China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba, thereby increasing its own influence in the country. This aligns with the intention expressed by U.S. President Donald Trump on January 3, after the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, to rebuild Venezuela's oil infrastructure.

In an interview with NBC News on January 5 (local time), President Trump stated, "The United States can support efforts by oil companies to rebuild Venezuela's energy infrastructure," adding, "A tremendous amount of funding will be required, and after oil companies spend, the U.S. government will later reimburse them or they will be compensated through profits."

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright will meet with oil industry executives on January 8 at the Goldman Sachs Energy, Clean Technology & Utilities Conference in Miami, Florida, to discuss ways to revitalize Venezuela's oil production and restore its energy infrastructure.