23 hours ago, J Branche said:

Keyboard Warriors would be advised to use an AI Chatbot to become educated on Venezuela.

 

Key Notes

70% to 80% of population lives in poverty.

GDP fell an estimated 80% between 2013 and 2023.

Hyperinflation for past 10 plus years.

Healthcare, education, and infrastructure (e.g., electricity and fuel) are often in total disrepair.

 

Does this sound like somewhere you want to retire?

Somewhere you want to invest in a business?

Somewhere you want to vacation?

Somewhere you want to live and raise a family?

 

I don't have all the answers but I think an Average Citizen would make better decisions on all the basics a country needs to have a comfortable, livable, low poverty country.

 

As for China, they have a "Loans for Oil" agreement for Venezuela oil purchases.

Purchase, Oil, Petroleum Coke (Cement, Steel production, energy)

Iron ore, Scrap Copper, 

Acyclic alcohols are widely used as:

Solvents (paints, inks, cleaners)

Fuel additives

Chemical intermediates (esters, ethers)

Disinfectants & sanitizers

Raw materials in plastics, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

From Venezuela 

 

China provides to Venezuela 

Loans for Oil, infrastructure

Cars, motorbikes, Machinery, 

Air Conditioner

Rubber Tires

and Medicines

 

Trade is limited by Sanctions.  Can only hope something can occur so a positive change will happen and Venezuela can have a future they can look forward to.

 

 

Yes, you know exactly how to put it into words, I had a bit more trouble with that myself.

2 hours ago, candide said:

The military is corrupt and also one of the main beneficiaries of the current regime, and it's not called "Bolivarian" for no reason. Millions of civilians are also members of Bolivarian militias.

The government also controls food supply and jobs to a large extent. Unfortunately, a military coup or a civilian rebellion are very unlikely. Remember that Chavez was nearly toppled by a coup. It's part of this regime's memory.

You're probably right, so sad.  I don't know if Trump has a plan or can much effect. Maybe he tries to reign in their excesses? As a minimum, many more people will have an understanding of their plight. 

World Bank might have to bail them out, with certain conditions.

44 minutes ago, Donga said:

You're probably right, so sad.  I don't know if Trump has a plan or can much effect. Maybe he tries to reign in their excesses? As a minimum, many more people will have an understanding of their plight. 

World Bank might have to bail them out, with certain conditions.

So no likely impact on regime change, unless the US invades Venezuela; no real impact on drug trafficking as Venezuela doesn't  produce Fentanyl and is also not one of the largest cocaine producers....

Why waste money on it?

This is more about stopping Russian + Chinese influence.  Russia is building a miliary base.  That would upset US for sure

On 11/2/2025 at 7:29 AM, sharksy said:

This is more about stopping Russian + Chinese influence.  Russia is building a miliary base.  That would upset US for sure

The Monroe Doctrine.