China’s top financial regulator has instructed policy banks and major lenders to disclose their exposure to Venezuela and strengthen risk monitoring of all Venezuela-related credit, according to Bloomberg News. The request comes in the wake of the U.S. capture of President Nicolás Maduro and is aimed at assessing potential threats to China’s financial system as geopolitical tensions rise.
For years, China has been one of Venezuela’s largest creditors, extending billions of dollars in oil-backed loans, primarily through state policy banks such as China Development Bank.
Regulators are now increasingly focused on how political instability and international pressure could impact loan repayments and broader banking-sector stability.
Separately, China has strongly condemned U.S. military action against Venezuela, calling it a violation of international law and national sovereignty. Beijing has urged Washington to respect international norms and reiterated its support for Venezuela, while also advising Chinese citizens to avoid travel to the country amid the escalating situation.