By Admin 
There is a global uproar after the US military action in Venezuela and the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro. Meanwhile, China is under a lot of tension. The reason is clear: China’s political, technological and economic investment in Venezuela is very deep. As soon as Maduro is removed from power, there is a fear that America may get access to those sensitive Chinese targets, which Beijing has been protecting for years.
America’s arrest of Maduro along with his wife and presenting them in New York court is not limited to Venezuelan politics only. This directly connects to the US-China rivalry. China fears that if a pro-US government is formed in Venezuela, the Chinese military-related technology, satellite stations and digital networks present there may come under US control or surveillance. This situation is also serious for Beijing because Venezuela has been China’s most reliable strategic partner in Latin America.
Chinese satellite tracking station is the biggest threat
China has established some very sensitive satellite tracking and ground stations in Venezuela, which are now under threat. This includes El Sombrero and Lupa Tracking Station. Apart from this, El Sombrero Tracking Station located at Captain Manuel Rios Airbase is included. It has a backup station in Lupa, Bolivar state. These stations are extremely important for China as they handle telemetry, tracking and command operations for the VRSS-2 satellite (launched in 2017). VRSS-2 is a Citizen Earth Paragraph satellite, but its data can also be used in security and strategic analysis. These have been made by China Great Wall Industry Corporation. China fears that America’s access to these stations could harm its satellite capabilities and surveillance networks.
Radar and air defense systems also at risk
China has installed advanced radar systems and air defense technology in Venezuela, which is reportedly capable of tracking even fifth-generation fighter aircraft. If these systems fall into the hands of America, then China’s military technological advance may suffer a serious blow.
China’s deep penetration in oil business
China is Venezuela’s largest foreign investor and one of the top buyers of oil. As of 2014, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) has modernized old oil fields. He upgraded modern drilling rigs, waterflooding systems and refineries. Because of this, oil production in some areas has increased up to 8 times. Now if the new government comes under American influence then the contracts of Chinese companies may be cancelled. Sanction or confiscation action may be taken. This will be a big blow to China’s energy security interests.
Crisis on telecommunication network also
China has built digital and telecommunication infrastructure in Venezuela. Huawei and ZTE have done a lot of work for 4G network. Apart from this, a lot of emphasis has been laid on mobile phone assembly and cyber security system. Huawei has been active in Venezuela since 1999. China fears that Huawei and ZTE may be banned under American pressure. US surveillance on network data and infrastructure may increase.
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