Maduro Touts Stronger China and Russia Relations as U.S. Maintains Military Pressure in the Caribbean: 'This Moment Has Strengthened Our Partnership'

Venezuela's authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro emphasized deepening ties with China and Russia as the United States continues a large-scale military deployment in the Caribbean and formally designated the Cartel de los Soles, which it accuses Maduro and other top officials of leading, as a foreign terrorist organization.

Speaking on state television, Maduro described Venezuela's relationship with China as one of "deep, broad and stable trust." He added that recent events have "strengthened our partnership," saying:

"These moments Venezuela has had to live through have demonstrated that the China-Venezuela relationship passes the test and allows us to deepen and strengthen cooperation across all areas"

Maduro also showed a letter he said was sent by Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of his birthday, in which the Russian head of State reaffirmed Moscow's support and expressed confidence that Venezuela would "overcome all tests with dignity," as CNN reports.

Maduro said both governments are developing an intergovernmental commission aimed at establishing "new agreements and action plans" in petroleum, finance, military cooperation, culture, education, science, and technology.

His remarks come as U.S. military activity in the Caribbean continues to escalate under Operation Southern Spear, which involves more than a dozen naval vessels and roughly 15,000 U.S. troops. The Trump administration has said the mission, launched in August, is aimed at countering narcotrafficking while Venezuelan officials argue the operation seeks to force a political transition in Caracas.

Open-source flight data reviewed by CNN showed at least six U.S. military aircraft — including an F/A-18E fighter jet, a B-52 strategic bomber, and a reconnaissance plane — operating off the Venezuelan coast over several hours last week.

The buildup has prompted broader regional effects. Reuters reported that at least seven international airlines canceled flights from Venezuela over the weekend after the Federal Aviation Administration warned carriers of a "potentially hazardous situation" when flying through the country's airspace.

Recent reporting has underscored the roles China and Russia are playing as Maduro seeks to counter growing U.S. pressure. According to analysis published over the weekend by Fox News, Beijing and Moscow have become central diplomatic and economic backstops for Caracas at a moment of heightened isolation, reinforcing long-standing strategic partnerships that Maduro highlighted in his televised remarks.

Maduro said these alliances have been essential during the current standoff, stating that "this moment has served to deepen and strengthen cooperation on all fronts."