Chavez's Health and Implications for Chinese Investment

The absence of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez due to health reasons has caused uncertainty about Venezuela's future, and this is cause for concern in China. China has made significant financial investments in and commitments to Venezuela, from which Venezuela has benefited greatly. China risks losing billions of dollars if Venezuela destabilizes, and in the long term, it fears losing the standing preferential relationship with Caracas if the government changes and Venezuela begins to look elsewhere for technical expertise to accompany investment.