US, China can have balanced roles in Venezuela, says US energy secretary

WASHINGTON: US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has said that both the United States and China can play balanced roles in Venezuela to allow trade and commercial activity, but stressed that Washington will not allow Beijing to gain major control over the Latin American country.

In an interview with Fox Business Network, Wright said the United States would remain the dominant force in Venezuela, particularly in the energy sector, and would ensure the rule of law and control over oil flows.

“I think you will probably see some long-term involvement of China in Venezuela,” Wright said, adding that this would be acceptable as long as the United States remains the main partner.

He said there could be room for commercial engagement with China, but ruled out any possibility of Venezuela becoming a client state of Beijing.

“Can there be commerce with China? Sure. Are we going to allow Venezuela to become a client state of China? Absolutely not,” he said.

The US energy secretary also said he expects American oil major Chevron to rapidly expand its activities in Venezuela, while ConocoPhillips and Exxon Mobil are also looking to play what he described as a “constructive role”.

Wright added that he has been in contact with senior executives of leading US oil companies since Saturday. He said several companies were disappointed at not being invited to an industry meeting at the White House last Friday, though he did not name any firms.

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