***"The Chinese are betting on Venezuela" said President Hugo Chavez, following a 4-day visit by Chinese officials, reports Caracas El Universal. "We are not just speaking empty words, but we are dealing with specific issues," Chavez exclaimed. Since Chavez's visit to Beijing in October 1999, "No less than five high-level government and private business commissions have visited [Venezuela], as well as commissions comprising local governments." Chavez said bilateral agreements were reviewed in such areas as gas and oil, as well as agriculture and mining, plus the national railroad plan.
he 14-member Chinese delegation was led by Li Ruihuan, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. After meeting with the delegation, Venezuelan National Legislative Commission president Luis Miqilena said his country, "has much to learn and receive from China. We have not only opened our heart, but also all sectors of our economy, all possibilities for hyper-development between the two countries . . ."***
"I am a Maoist"--Venezuela's President Hugo Chávez Attacks Elitism *** Mr. Chávez has described the subsequent purge of Ms. Imber and others as the start of a "Bolivarian cultural revolution," a reference to Venezuela's national hero, Simón Bolívar. But that term has generated apprehension here, especially in view of Mr. Chávez's declaration "I am a Maoist," made during the visit this month of President Jiang Zemin of China, and the agreements he has signed to bring Cuban advisers and exchange programs to Venezuela.***
Chinese Defense Minister in First Venezuela Visit*** China's Defense Minister Chi Hoatian began a four-day visit to Venezuela on Thursday to discuss ways of increasing contacts and cooperation between the two nations' armed forces, officials said. Chi, accompanied by a delegation of senior army, navy and air force officers, said in a statement that he had come to Venezuela to ``promote the development of friendly relations and military cooperation.''***