China's immediate priority in the wake of the U.S. attack on Venezuela is to protect economic interests, analysts said.

First, the country must kick out China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba and sever economic ties, the sources said. Second, Venezuela must agree to partner exclusively with the U.S. on oil production and favor America when selling heavy crude oil, they added.

China criticized the Trump administration’s reported call for Venezuela to sever its alliances with US rivals, labeling the move a “bullying act” as their competition for influence in the region emerges as a new source of friction.

HOUSTON: Global oil prices fell on Wednesday (Jan 7) and China denounced the US as a bully after President Donald Trump's administration said it had persuaded Venezuela to divert supplies from Beijing and import up to US$2 billion worth of embargoed crude.

Beijing has lent billions to Caracas in recent decades, and the fate of money it is owed is in question after the ouster of Venezuela’s leader.

China is a major customer of and investor in Venezuela's oil sector, which President Donald Trump aims to revive following the U.S. military's ouster of President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday.

US President Donald Trump says interim authorities in Venezuela agree to transfer up to 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to US - Anadolu Ajansı

Secretary of State Marco Rubio was said to have listed the Trump administration’s demands to Venezuela’s new leader, Delcy Rodríguez, in a classified meeting Monday with senior congressional leaders.