China & Venezuela, Sittin' in a Tree

Venezuela took control of a $400-million, Chinese-built communications satellite over the weekend.  China built the satellite under contract for Venezuela and launched it in October, reports the LA Times.  

Chavez said the satellite will allow Venezuela to overcome the U.S. "media bombardment" thereby strengthening Venezuelan sovereignty.  The satellite is also expected to bring internet connections to schools across Venezuela and improve the nations health industry via improved IT and medical record-keeping and communicating.   

Venezuela is also waiting on 18 military jet training aircraft this month it purchased from China.

Some see these deals, as well as increased Venezuelan oil buying on China's part, as both a sign of strengthening ties between China and Latin America and waning influence of the U.S. in the region.  

China has also invested in oil production projects in many parts of Venezuela where U.S. firms were booted from not long ago.  

Chavez critics say China is the main beneficiary in these trades and that with oil pricing waning Chavez will not be able to continue such arrangements for long.