Fmr. Ambassador to China: Pres. Trump and China's Xi don't want to rock the boat with Venezuelan oil

Summary

Nicholas Burns, former U.S. Ambassador to China, discusses the geopolitical fallout from the U.S. seizure of Venezuelan oil and capture of Maduro. He argues China has lost face but is unlikely to lose access to Venezuelan oil because Trump and Xi want to preserve their trade truce before an April meeting. Burns also describes China's expanding trade and infrastructure influence in Latin America and warns that U.S. actions in its hemisphere may embolden China on Taiwan and South China Sea claims.

• Nicholas Burns joins to discuss U.S.-China-Venezuela energy geopolitics.
• Burns says China's Venezuelan oil imports are only about 4% of its total.
• He expects Venezuelan oil flows to China to continue as Trump and Xi avoid disrupting trade talks.
• Burns says China has lost face in Venezuela but may feel emboldened geopolitically.
• He notes China is now the leading trade partner for most South American countries.
• He argues the U.S. needs private investment to counter Chinese influence in Latin America.
• He warns China could cite U.S. actions to justify more aggressive claims on Taiwan and the South China Sea.
• No specific stocks or investment recommendations were provided.