Energy focus for Chavez in China

Discussions over energy co-operation are set to dominate Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez’s visit to China, which began on Tuesday.

Oil producer Venezuela wants to reduce its reliance on the US, the destination for most of its oil exports despite the two countries’ ideological differences.

China, in need of oil supplies to maintain its rapid economic growth, offers a lucrative alternative market.

Mr Chavez will meet counterpart Hu Jintao during the six-day trip.

Oil increase

The two leaders are expected to agree to increase the amount of oil Beijing buys from Venezuela as well as approving the sale of Chinese oil tankers to Caracas.

The visit – Mr Chavez’s fourth to China since he came to power in 1998 – is also politically significant, since China regards Venezuela as a valuable counterweight to US influence in Latin America.

BBC