China orders banks to assess Venezuela exposure after US capture of Maduro

China has instructed its major banks to assess their exposure to Venezuela, following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by the United States, highlighting growing concern over the political turmoil in the South American country.

The National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA), China’s top banking regulator, asked state development banks and other large lenders to report details on loans, guarantees and financial commitments linked to Venezuela, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The move aims to measure potential risks that sudden political changes could pose to Chinese banks’ balance sheets.

China has been one of Venezuela’s largest creditors for more than a decade, financing infrastructure, energy and public spending through loans secured against oil shipments. Banks such as China Development Bank have channelled billions of dollars in such credit.

According to sources, the NFRA also urged lenders to strengthen risk supervision on all Venezuela-related loans, as global geopolitical tensions and volatile energy markets heighten uncertainty. 

Analysts say this is a precautionary step to anticipate possible defaults, forced renegotiations, or contractual changes that could affect the stability of Chinese financial institutions.

The announcement reflects Beijing’s growing concern about the impact of international conflicts on its banking system, particularly in countries with fragile economies and institutions.

While the NFRA has not made an official statement, its message to the financial sector is clear: evaluate risks, tighten controls and protect balance sheets.

In parallel, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Beijing’s official stance on Venezuela, condemning the US-led operation and calling for the immediate release of Nicolás Maduro. The ministry reaffirmed China’s opposition to foreign intervention and its support for the principle of sovereignty.

Analysts note that the review does not signal an immediate withdrawal of Chinese support in Venezuela, but marks a shift from years of aggressive lending to a more cautious approach focused on risk management amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.

By Aghakazim Guliyev