Misreading the Venezuela move

Some Western media outlets have reported that China recently sent an "unofficial envoy" for talks with Venezuela's opposition party to ensure its loans to the country are recognized after President Nicolas Maduro steps down and claimed the move marks a shift in Beijing's attitude toward Caracas.

The continuous political turbulence in Venezuela has made the international community pessimistic about the Maduro government's survival. So it is natural for Chinese people to be worried about the safety of China's loans to Venezuela. But it is wrong to interpret China's gesture as a shift in attitude toward Venezuela, because Beijing is unlikely to reverse its friendly ties with Caracas.

China has for long kept in touch with opposing forces in other countries. So even if China has contacted the Venezuelan opposition, there is no reason to brand it a "hurried move" to retrieve its loans. Also, it is not unusual for one country to keep in touch with different political parties in another country.