I. Bilateral Political Relations

Diplomatic relations were formally established on June 28, 1974 between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Venezuela. China set up its embassy in Venezuela in September 1974 and Venezuelan embassy in China was opened in November of the same year.

Ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have enjoyed a smooth development of bilateral relations, characterized with a frequent exchange of high-level visits, a steady expansion of trade and economic cooperation and increasing exchanges in the fields of culture, education, science and technology. In international affairs, the two countries understand each other and collaborate closely. Venezuela supported China for its membership of the World Trade Organization (WTO). At the 55th, 56th and 57th sessions of the UN human rights committee, Venezuela voted for China's No-action motion against the anti-China proposals put forward by the United States.

Mutual Visits:

From October 27 to November 2, 1981, President Campings paid an official visit to China. It was the first visit to China ever made by a Venezuelan Head of State. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Sapuraro and Defense Minister Lt. General Laiyer accompanied him on the visit. Vice- Chairman Deng Xiaoping of the CPC Central Committee met with the guests and Chinese Premier held two rounds of talks with them. Vice-Premier and Defense Minister Geng Biao met with his Venezuelan counterpart. During the visit, Vice-Premier Kang Shi'en and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Sapuraro, on behalf of their respective governments, signed an agreement on cultural cooperation and an agreement on scientific and technological cooperation.

On November 9-12, 1985, at the invitation of Venezuelan President Lusinch, Chinese Premier an official and friendly visit to Venezuela, the first visit ever made by the head of the Chinese government. Chinese Premier held two rounds of talks with Venezuelan President Lusinch. He also met with President of the National Assembly and Senate Speaker Anrod Mora, Deputy President of the National Assembly and President of the House of Representatives Lairanlado Field, Former President Carldera, General Secretary of Democratic Action Party Pheniaer and leader of Christian Social Party respectively. During the visit, the two countries signed a trade agreement, China-Venezuela cultural exchanges program for 1984-1988 and the protocol on scientific and technological cooperation in oil survey and exploration.

On November 12-14, 1996, at the invitation of Venezuelan President Caldera, Chinese Premier Li Peng paid an official visit to Venezuela. Premier Li held talks and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations and international issues of common interest with President Caldera. President Caldera conferred the Medal of Liberator upon Premier Li. Premier Li also met with President of the National Assembly and Senate Speaker Fielnandes, Vice-President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives Jelermo, and Minister of Energy and Mining Aleta. Li also delivered a speech entitled "Jointly Compose a New Chapter of China-Latin American Friendly Cooperation" in the headquarters of the "Latin American Economic System". During the visit, the two sides signed an agreement on cooperation in the joint petroleum exploitation, an agreement on retention of Consulate General of Venezuela in Hong Kong SAR, an agreement on feasibility studies of jointly developing emulsified oil and an agreement on selling and purchasing emulsified oil.

On October 10-13, 1999, at the invitation of Chinese President Jiang Zemin, Venezuelan President Chaves paid a state visit to China. President Jiang held talks with him. Premier Zhu Rongji and Chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC Li Ruihuan met with President Chaves respectively. Leading officials from the State Planning and Development Commission, Ministry of Land and Resources, Ministry of Construction, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, National Tourism Administration of the P.R.C., and China Petroleum and Natural Gas Corporation respectively held talks with relevant Venezuelan officials. During the visit, the two sides signed a number of agreements including a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of mixed joint energy committee; a memorandum of understanding on concluding a mutual investment protection agreement through discussions; a memorandum of understanding on provision of $30 million of credit loans to Venezuela by the Bank of China; Exchange of notes on the expansion of Consular district of Venezuelan Consulate General in Hong Kong to Macao, an agreement on cooperation between Foreign Affairs College of China and Venezuelan Academy of Higher Research, a framework agreement on cooperation between Nanjing University of China and Andes University, and a letter of intent on long-term goods credit of emulsified oil between China Petroleum and Gas Corporation and Venezuelan Petroleum Company. On October 17-18, President Chaves and his entourage paid a visit to Hong Kong SAR.

On May 14-16, 2000, at the invitation of Venezuelan government, Chairman Li Ruihuan of the National Committee of the CPPCC paid an official friendly visit to Venezuela. Venezuelan President Chaves, Vice- President Roderiges and President of National Assembly Mijraina met with him respectively. Vice-President Roderiges held a banquet in honour of Chairman Li.

On April 15-17, 2001, at the invitation of the President of the Bolivar Republic of Venezuela Chavez, President Jiang Zemin paid a state visit to Venezuela. During the visit, President Jiang Zemin and President Chavez held talks, exchanging views over bilateral relations and important international issues, and decided to establish a "strategic partnership of common development" between the two countries in the new century. President Jiang Zemin also met with President Lara of Venezuelan National Assembly.

On May 24-28, 2001, at the invitation of President Jiang Zemin, President of the Republic of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez Frias, paid a state visit to China. President Jiang Zemin held talks with President Chavez. Premier Zhu Rongji and Chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC Li Ruihuan met with President Chavez respectively. Besides Beijing, President Chaves also visited Chengdu of Sichuan Province.

On October 11-18, 1974, Venezuelan President of the National Assembly Barrios headed a parliamentary delegation to China for an official visit, the first important one since the establishment of diplomatic ties. During the visit, Barrios met respectively with Chairman Zhu De, Vice Chairman Xu Xiangqian and Ngapoi Ngawang Jigme of the Standing Committee of the NPC (National People's Congress) and Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping.

On June 8-15, 1978, Vice Chairman Ji Pengfei of NPC Standing Committee of visited Venezuela at the head of a NPC delegation. President Perres and Senate speaker Barrios met with the delegation.

On August 3-6, 1981, at the invitation of Venezuelan Foreign Minister Sapuraro, Chinese Vice-Premier and Foreign Minister Huang Hua paid an official visit to Venezuela, the first visit by Chinese Foreign Minister to Venezuela. Huang met with Venezuelan President Campings and held talks with the Venezuelan Foreign Minister.

On August 5-7, 1984, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wu Xueqian visited Venezuela and held talks with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Morales.

From August 27 to September 5, 1990, at the invitation NPC Standing Committee, Vice-President of the Venezuelan Congress and Speaker of the House of Representatives Luris Enric Alwedo headed a delegation to China. Chinese President Yang Shankun, Chairman Wan Li of NPC Standing Committee, State Councilor Zhou Jiahua and Foreign Minister Qian Qichen met with the guests respectively.

On September 21-24, 1990, at the invitation of Venezuelan Foreign Minister Figeredo, Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen visited Venezuela. Venezuelan President Perres met with Minister Qian, while Foreign Minister Figeredo held talks with him. Qian also met with President of the Congress Morales, and Vice-president and Speaker of the House of Representatives Alwertor.

On May 26-31, 1991, at the invitation of the Congress of Venezuela, Vice-Chairman Chen Muhua of NPC Standing Committee headed a delegation to Venezuela. Acting President Esajile, President of the Congress and Senate Speaker Paris, Vice-President of the Congress and Speaker of the House of Representatives Alwerto met with her respectively.

On October 21-25, 1991, at the invitation of State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qian Qichen, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Duran visited China. Premier Li Peng, Chairman Wan Li of NPC Standing Committee of and Deputy Secretary General of the State Council and Director of Special Zone Office He Chunlin met with the visiting Minister respectively. State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qian Qichen also met with the foreign guest. During the visit, the two Foreign Ministers signed a protocol on the consultative mechanism between the two Foreign Ministries and an agreement on bilateral cooperation in the fields of agriculture, animal husbandry and fishing. A complementary accord to the agreement on the scientific and technological cooperation in oil exploration was also signed between Chinese Minister of Oil Industry and Venezuelan Minister of Energy and Mining.

On March 21-24, 1993, at the invitation of the Venezuelan government, State Councilor and Secretary General of the State Council Luo Gan paid an official visit to Venezuela. Venezuelan President Caldera, President of the Congress and Speaker of the Senate Fielnandes, Vice-President of the Congress and Speaker of the House of Representatives Jiliermos met with him respectively. During the visit, Luo Gan deliverd to President Caldera a letter signed personally by Chinese President Jiang Zemin, and held talks with Venezuelan Acting Foreign Minister.

On April 8-18, 1995, at the invitation of the International Liaison Department of the CPC Central Committee, General Secretary of Venezuelan Christian Social Party Tanrad Ramlez led a party delegation to visit China. Member of the Standing Committee of Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of National Committee of the CPPCC Li Ruihuan and Head of the International Liaison Department of the CPC Central Committee Li Shuzheng met with the guests respectively.

On August 1-5, 1996, at the invitation of the Congress of Venezuela, Vice-Chairman Chen Muhua of NPC Standing Committee led a NPC delegation on a good-will visit to Venezuela. Venezuelan President Caldera, President of the Congress and Speaker of the Senate Fielnandes, Vice-President of the Congress and Speaker of House of Representatives Jiliermos, and Foreign Minister Burele met with her respectively.

On September 22-26, 1996, at the invitation of NPC standing Committee, President of the Congress and Speaker of the Senate Fielnandes led a parliamentary delegation to visit China. Chairman Qiao Shi and Vice- Chairman Chen Muhua of NPC Standing Committee met with the delegation respectively.

From October 25 to November 8, 1996, at the invitation of the International Liaison Department of the CPC Central Committee, Chairman Gustawo Mars of Venezuelan Socialist Movement Party headed a delegation to China. Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Secretariat Hu Jintao met with the delegation. Head of the International Liaison Department of the CPC Central Committee Li Shuzheng held talks with the delegation.

On February 19-23, 1997, at the invitation of Vice-Premier and Foreign Minister Qian Qichen, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Burelli visited China. Premier Li Peng, Vice-Chairman Chen Muhua of NPC Standing Committee and State Councilor Luo Gan met respectively with the visiting Venezuelan Minister while Vice-Premier and Foreign Minister Qian Qichen held talks with him. The two Foreign Ministers jointly presided over the second political consultation meeting between the two Foreign Ministries.

On March 5-10, 1997, at the invitation of Venezuelan Economic and Social Council and Foreign Ministry, Vice-Chairman Qian Zhengying of the National Committee of the CPPCC led a delegation to attend the fifth meeting of International Economic and Social Council held in Venezuelan Capital Caracas and visited Venezuela. First Vice-President of the Senate Carsdere, Acting Foreign Minister Biwero and Chairman of National Women Union Guzman met with the delegation respectively.

On May 16-21, 1997, at the invitation of Venezuelan Christian Social Party, Member of the Political Bureau of CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the CPC Huang Ju headed a CPC delegation to Venezuela. President Caldera, President of the Congress and Speaker of the Senate Fielnandes, Chairman of Christian Social Party and Former President Campings met with him respectively. First Vice-Chairman of Christian Social Party Rodliges held talks with the Chinese delegation.

On August 17-27, 1997, at the invitation of International Liaison Department of the CPC Central Committee, Chairman of Venezuelan Democratic Action Party Parris Mentsiros led a party delegation to visit China. Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the CPC Huang Ju and Head of the International Liaison Department of the CPC Central Committee Li Shuzheng met with the delegation respectively.

On September 8-11, 1998, Vice-Premier Wu Bangguo headed a Chinese government delegation to Venezuela for an official good-will visit, during which Vice-Premier Wu met respectively with President Caldera, Acting President of the Congress and Speaker of the House of Representatives Rojas.

From January 30 to February 4, 1999, Special envoy of the Chinese Government and Minister of Agriculture Chen Yaobang attended the inaugural ceremony of President Chavez and visited the country afterwards. The Venezuelan Agricultural Minister met with Chen. Both sides signed the Minutes of the meeting.

From April 30 to May 1, 1999, Member of the Political Bureau Standing Committee of CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Secretariat Wei Jianxing stopped over Venezuela when visiting Latin America and met with Venezuelan President Chaves.

From May 29 to June 1, 1999, Vice Chairman Chao Zhi of NPC Standing Committee of visited Venezuela at the head of a congressional delegation. Venezuelan Acting president of the Congress and Speaker of the House of Representatives Purelas and Foreign Minister Rangel met with him respectively.

On December 11-13, 1999, Minister of Land and Resources Zhou Yongkang paid a visit to Venezuela. Venezuelan President Chaves met with him. He held working talks with Venezuelan Minister of Energy and Mining Roderiges.

On June 3-6, 2000, at the invitation of Venezuelan ruling Party Republic V Movement, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of Provincial Committee of Shan Dong Province Wu Guanzheng led a party delegation to Venezuela for a visit. Venezuelan President Chaves, National Legislation Committee Chairman and General Secretary of Republic V Movement Mijraina and its First Vice-President Botagalero and Acting Foreign Minister Balaro met with the Chinese delegation respectively.

On September 5, 2000, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and President of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Li Tieying had a stopover in Venezuela while heading a CPC delegation to Latin America. Venezuelan Vice-President Roderiges received him.

On September 19-24, 2000, at the invitation of Office of the State Council Poverty Relief Leading Group, Venezuelan Vice-Minister of Health and Social Development Willim Farenias headed a delegation to China. The Office Deputy Director Wan Guoliang, Deputy Head of Poverty Relief Leading Group and Vice-Minister of Agriculture Liu Chengguo met with the delegation respectively.

On October 18-22, 2000, at the invitation of the Supreme Court of Venezuela, Vice-President of the Supreme People's Court of China Jiang Xingzhang headed a delegation to Venezuela. Chairman of Venezuelan National Assembly Rala, President of the Supreme Court Lin Kong and Chief Procurator Ailachigra met with him respectively.

From 31 May to 9 June 2001, at the invitation of Venezuelan Minister of Finance Jose Alejandro Rojas, Vice-Minister of Finance Jing Shulian led an inspection delegation to Venezuela for a working visit. President of Venezuelan National Assembly Lara, Auditor General Ruesia, Minister of Finance Rojas, and President of Central Budget Office Ramires met with the delegation respectively.

From 29 August to 5 September 2001, at the invitation of Ministry of Science and Technology, Venezuelan Vice-Minister of Science and Technology La Fuente led a delegation to China. Vice-Minister of Science and Technology Ma Songde, Vice-Minister of Agriculture Liu Zheng and Deputy Governor of Jiangxi Province met with him respectively.

On October 10-14, 2001, at the invitation of Vice-Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Sun Zhengyu, Venezuelan Vice- Minister of Industry and Trade Luis Belasques visited China. During the visit, the two Vice-Ministers presided over the fifth meeting of Sino-Venezuelan Joint Committee of Economy and Trade. Vice-Minister of State Development Planning Commission Wang Chun met with the delegation.

On October 17-22, 2001, at the invitation of Venezuelan Minister of Planning and Development Giordani, Chinese Minister of Water Resources Wang Shucheng led a delegation to Venezuela. Venezuelan Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Osorio, Vice-Minister of Planning and Development Buenano, Vice-Minister of Industry and Trade Andrade, President of Gayana Corporation Rangel met with Wang respectively. Minister Wang and acting Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Alejandro signed a memorandum of understanding concerning cooperation on water conservancy.

On October 25-27, 2001, Vice-Minister of Science and Technology Ma Songde led a delegation to Venezuela. His counterpart Venezuelan Vice- Minister of Science and Technology La Fuente met with him.

On November 18-20, 2001, at the invitation of Vice-Minister of Industry and Trade Belasques, Assistant Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Wei Jianguo led a government economic and trade delegation to Venezuela. Venezuela Minister of Industry and Trade Romero, Minister of Science and Technology Genatios, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Silva, Minister of Finance Melendes, Minister of Planning and Development Giordani, Acting Foreign Minister Medras, and President of National Oil Corporation Mondelo met with him respectively.

On January 15-17, 2002, at the invitation of Chinese Ambassador to Venezuela Wang Zhen, Vice-Chairman of Shanghai Municipal People's Congress Sha Lin visited Venezuela at the head of a delegation for bidding 2010 World Exposition in Shanghai. Vice-Foreign Minister of Venezuela Mendez met with Sha and his delegation and reiterated the Venezuelan government's support for Shanghai bidding the world exposition.

On January 21-30 2002, at the invitation of Venezuelan Minister of Planning and Development Giordani, Director-General of the Land Reclamation Bureu of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Jiang Jixiong visited Venezuela at the head of the gladiolus investigation delegation. Venezuelan President Chavez and Vice-Minister of Land and Agriculture Andrades met him respectively. Vice-Minister of Planning and Development Buenaneo, Governor of Lara State Reyes and Governor of Falcon State Montilia held business talks with the delegation.

On January 25-29, 2002, at the invitation of the Venezuelan Company of China Petroleum Co., Vice-Chairman of the CCPCC Chen Jinhua headed a Chinese delegation to Venezuela for an inspection tour.

On March 12-17, 2002, at the invitation of Venezuelan Minister of Planning and Development Giordani, Vice-Chairman of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Sun Yü visited Venezuela. Venezuelan President Chavez, Minister of Planning and Development Giordani, Minister of the Presidential Secretariat Vargas, Minister of Education, Culture and Sport Isturiz, Governor of Lara State Reyes and Governor of Falcon State Montilia met with him respectively.

On March 16-20, 2002, at the invitation of Venezuelan ruling party "Republic V Movement", Deputy Head of the International Liaison Department of the CPC Central Committee Cai Wu visited Venezuela at head of a CPC goodwill delegation. Venezuelan President Chavez, First Vice-President of the National Assembly Jimenez, Coordinator of "Command for Revolution and Politics" Ponce, and General Secretary of "Socialist Movement" Puch met with the delegation respectively. Political Secretary of the National Executive Bureau of "Republic V Movement" Adam Chavez held talks with the delegation.

On April 1-4, 2002, at the invitation of President of the National Assembly of Venezuela Lara, Vice-Chairman Tian Jiyun of NPC Standing Committee paid an official friendly visit to Venezuela at the head of a NPC delegation. Venezuelan President Chavez, Foreign Minister Davela met with him respectively. Chairman Lara held talks with him.

On May 15-17, 2002, at the invitation of Vice-Foreign Minister of Venezuela Mendez, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhou Wenzhong visited Venezuela at the head of a delegation. Acting President of Venezuela Rangel met with him. Acting Foreign Minister of Venezuela Mendez and Assistant Foreign Minister Zhou jointly presided over the 4th political consultation between the foreign ministries of the two countries.

On July 7-20, 2002, Venezuelan Vice-Minister of Planning and Development Buenaneo visited China.

On July 15-18, 2002, at the invitation of Auditor-General of Venezuela Russian, Deputy Auditor-General Xiang Junbo visited Venezuela at the head of a delegation of the National Audit Office of China. President of the Venezuelan National Assembly Lara, President of the Supreme Court Rincon and Auditor-General Russian met with him respectively.

On July 23-26, 2002, at the invitation of Venezuelan Vice-Minister of Planning and Development Gilberto Buenaneo, Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of Hunan People's Congress Lo Haifan visited Venezuela between at the head of a goodwill delegation of Hunan People's Congress. First Vice-President of Venezuelan National Assembly Jimenez and Vice-Minister Buenaneo met with him respectively.

On August 9-15, 2002, at the invitation of Executive Vice-Mayor of Shanghai Jiang Yiren, Vice-Foreign Minister of Venezuela Mendez visited China. Executive Vice-Mayor Jiang Yiren, Vice-Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Assistant Foreign Minister Zhou Wenzhong met with him respectively.

On October 6-11, 2002, President of the Guyana Company Jose Rangel Gomez visited China. Vice-Premier Wu Bangguo met with him.

On October 18-19, 2002, Minister Zeng Peiyan of State Development Planning Commission of PRC and Venezuelan Minister of Planning and Development Felipe Perez Marti jointly presided over the second meeting of China-Venezuela intergovernmental high-level joint commission in Caracas.

On October 21, 2002, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Chaderton attended the first meeting at foreign ministerial level between China and the Adean Community held in Bogota.

On November 5-12, 2002, Venezuelan General Chief Auditor Russian visited China. State Councilor Wang Zhongyu met with him. Auditor General Li Jinhua of the National Audit Office held talks with him.

From November 28 to December 5, 2002, at the invitation of the International Liaison Department of CPC Central Committee, Mr. Rafael Corea Flores, leading member of "Republic V Movement", Secretary General of Latin American Parliament and President of the Venezuelan National Group, visited China at the head of a delegation. Wu Guanzheng, Member of Political Burean Standing Committee of CPC Central Committee, and Dai Bingguo, Head of the International Liaison Department of CPC Central Committee, met with him respectively. Deputy Head of the International Liaison Department Wang Jiarui held talks with him.

On December 1-7, 2002, at the invitation of Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Chaderton paid an official visit to China. Premier Zhu Rongji, Minister Zeng Peiyan of State Development Planning Commission and Minister of Agriculture Du Qinglin met with him respectively. Foreign Minister Tang held talks with him.

II. Bilateral Economic and Trade Relations, Economic and Technological Cooperation

China and Venezuela signed the Inter-governmental Trade Agreement in November 1985, and five sessions of the Joint Economic and Trade Committee have been convened. The trade volume between China and Venezuela in 1974 at the time of establishment of diplomatic relations only amounted to $1.4 million. Since 1980s there has been a big growth in bilateral trade. China began to import emulsified oil from Venezuela in 1996. At the same time China's export to Venezuela expanded. China-Venezuelan trade volume has steadily increased, amounting to $ 478 million in 2002 with $333 million of Chinese exports and $145 million of Chinese imports.

China mainly exports eletromechanical equipment, shoes, textiles and garments and imports from Venezuela iron ore and finished oil.

Since 1990s, economic and technological cooperation between China and Venezuela has made significant progress. Agreement on joint oil exploitation was signed in November 1996 during Chinese Premier Li Peng's visit to Venezuela. In June 1997, China Petroleum and Natural Gas Corporation won the bid at the price of $358 million for the right to drill oil fields of Caracoles and the North Intercampo, took over the management of two oil-fields and put them into operation in February and May 1998 respectively. It is the largest investment project ever made by China in Latin America.

III. Bilateral Exchanges and Cooperation in Cultural, Educational, Scientific and Technological, Military Fields

(1) Exchanges in the fields of culture, education, science and technology, and sports

Exchanges in the fields of culture, education and science and technology have gradually been on the increase since the establishment of diplomatic ties. In 1981, the two countries signed a governmental agreement on cultural cooperation. On the Chinese side, Beijing opera troupes, acrobatic troupes, martial arts teams and song and dance ensembles visited Venezuela to give performances. Film weeks, exhibitions on photography, arts and crafts, traditional Chinese painting and pottery were held in Venezuela. Venezuela in return sent its chorus, dance ensembles, quartette group and music conductor to China. On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in June 1999, a Venezuelan harpist came to perform in China. In June 2002, Chinese Vice-Minister of Culture Pan Zhenyu visited Venezuela at the head of a Chinese Government Cultural Delegation.

Since 1976 China and Venezuela have mutually sent students to study in each other's country. Up to now, Venezuela has sent 27 students to China while China sent 4 students to Venezuela. In February 2000, in accordance with the Agreement on Cooperation between Foreign Affairs College of China and Higher Learning College of Venezuelan Foreign Ministry, two officials from Department of Asia and Africa of Venezuelan Foreign Ministry were invited to study Chinese in a short-term training class in China. It is the first exchange of personnel conducted between the two Foreign Affairs Colleges.

Exchange in sports between China and Venezuela has increased. Venezuelan sports delegation, basketball team, football team and table tennis team visited China successively and football coaches were invited to china for teaching. In September 1998, a program for cooperation in sports was signed between the Chinese State Physical Culture and Sports Commission and the Venezuelan State Sports Commission.

(2) Military Exchanges

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, there have been frequent military exchanges between the two countries. In October 1981, Venezuelan Defense Minister Real accompanied the President on a visit to China. In 1982, China and Venezuela established military attaché's offices in each other's country. Deputy Chiefs of General Staff Han Huaizhi, Li Jing and Kui Fulin of the Chinese People's Liberation Army headed military delegations to visit Venezuela in 1985, 1994 and 1998 respectively. In October 1988, Venezuelan Defense Minister Rigero visited China. In April 1990, Commander Loza of the Venezuelan Army visited China. In November 1999, Chief of Staff of Venezuelan armed forces Lt. General Wildimo Felatov Rillacov visited China. Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission, Minister of National Defense and State Councilor Major General Chi Haotian and Chief of General Staff of the P.L.A Fu Quanyou met with him respectively.

On October 10-17, 2000, at the invitation of Headquarters of the General Staff of the PLA, Deputy Commander of the Venezuelan Army Lt. General Bascs visited China. Member of the Central Military Commission and Chief of General Staff Fu Quanyou, Deputy Chief of General Staff Qian Shugeng met with him respectively.

On November 6-12, 2000, at the invitation of the Ministry of National Defense, Chief of Staff of Venezuelan Air Force Lt. General Chafuler Chakun headed an air force delegation to China for Zhuhai aviation exhibition.

On December 17-20, 2000, at the invitation of Joint Chief of Staff of Venezuelan Armed Forces Lt. General Malin, Chief of General Staff Fu Quanyou visited Venezuela at the head of a delegation. Venezuelan President Chaves, Minister of National Defense Wulta, Joint Chief of Staff Malin and Commander of the Army Ricon met with the delegation respectively.

On May 21-27, 2001, at the invitation of the Ministry of National Defense, Venezuelan Air Force Commander General Arturo Garcia led a delegation to China. Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission, State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Chi Haotian met with him. Air Force Commander Liu Shunyao held working talks with him.

From August 30 to September 2, 2001, at the invitation of Venezuelan Minister of National Defense Rangel, Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission, State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Chi Haotian paid an official visit to Venezuela. President Chaves, Commander-in-Chief of Venezuelan Armed Forces and Inspector General Ricon met with him respectively. Vice-Chairman Chi and Minister Rangel held working talks.

On July 8-17, 2002, at the invitation of the Defense University of China, Major General Gonzalez, President of the Advanced Defence Research Institute of Venezuela, visited China as the head of a delegation. Deputy Chief of General Staff Xiong Guangkai held working talks with him. The two sides signed an agreement on academic cooperation between the two defense academies.

IV. Important Bilateral Agreements and Documents

(1) Joint Communique on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Venezuela, signed in Venezuelan Capital Caracas on July 28, 1974, by Vice-Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Cai Shufang and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Sharitt.

(2) Agreement on Cultural Cooperation between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Venezuela, signed in Beijing on November 1, 1981, by Vice-Premier Kang Shi'en and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Sanburaro. The Agreement went into effect on January 28, 1982. With validity for five years, it can be extended automatically for another five years in succession.

(3) Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Venezuela, signed in Beijing on November 1, 1981, by Vice-Premier Kang Shi'en and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Sanburaro. The Agreement went into effect on March 4, 1982. With validity for five years, it can be extended automatically for another five years in succession.

(4) Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation in Petroleum Prospecting and Development between Ministry of Petroleum Industry of the People's Republic of China and Ministry of Energy and Mining Industry of the Republic of Venezuela, signed in Caracas on November 12, 1985, by Chinese Ambassador to Venezuela Hu Hongfan and Vice-Minister of Energy and Mining Industry of Venezuela Ansora. The Agreement went into effect on December 12, 1985 with validity for five years.

(5) Trade Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Venezuela, signed in Caracas on November 12, 1985, by State Councilor Chen Muhua and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Konserl. The Agreement went into effect on May 15, 1986. With validity for three years, it can be extended automatically for another three years in succession.

(6) Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation in Geology and Mineral Resources between Ministry of Geology and Mineral Resources of the People's Republic of China and Ministry of Energy and Mining of the Republic of Venezuela, signed in Caracas on September 30, 1988, by Chinese Ambassador to Venezuela Chen Dehe and Venezuelan Acting Minister of Energy Blaser. The Agreement went into effect on the date of signature. With validity for three years, it can be extended automatically for another three years in succession.

(7) Exchange of Notes on Mutual Exemption of Visas for Diplomatic and Service Passports between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Venezuela, signed on June 31, 1989, by Chinese Ambassador to Venezuela Chen Dehe and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Tehera. The Agreement went into effect on July 13 and remains valid indefinitely.

(8) Memorandum of Understanding on Consultative Mechanism between Foreign Ministry of the People's Republic of China and Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Venezuela, signed in Beijing on October 21, 1991, by Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Duran. The Agreement went into effect on the date of signature. With validity for five years, it can be extended automatically for another one year in succession.

(9) Agreement on Cooperation in Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fishery between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Venezuela, signed in Beijing on September 29, 1993, by Vice-Minister of Agriculture Wan Baorui and Venezuelan Minister of Agriculture Gaveria. The Agreement went into effect on the date of signature with validity for five years.

(10) Agreement on Retention of Venezuelan Consulate General in Hong Kong SAR of the P.R.C. between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Venezuela, signed in Caracas on November 13, 1996, by Chinese Ambassador Sun Yanxing and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Burile. The Agreement remains valid indefinitely as from July 1, 1997.

(11) Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Petroleum between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Venezuela, signed in Beijing on November 13, 1996, by Vice-Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Shi Guangsheng and Venezuelan Minister of Energy and Mining Industry Arrieta. The Agreement went into effect on the date of signature with validity for three years.

(12) Program on Sports Cooperation between State Physical Culture and Sports Commission of the People's Republic of China and State Sports Commission of the Republic of Venezuela, signed in Caracas on September 9, 1998, by Chinese Ambassador to Venezuela Liu Bomin and Chairman of State Sports Commission of Venezuela Aleizade. The program went into effect on the date of signature and remains valid indefinitely.

(13) Exchange of Notes of Extension of Agreement on Cooperation in Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fishery between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Venezuela, exchanged in Caracas on September 8, 1998, by Chinese Ambassador to Venezuela Liu Bomin and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Burile. The Notes extended the validity of the agreement for five years.

(14) Memorandum of Understanding on Joint Production of Emulsified Oil between China Petroleum and Natural Gas Corporation and Venezuela Petroleum Corporation, signed in Caracas on April 17, 2000, by Deputy General Manager of China Petroleum and Natural Gas Corporation Wu Yaowen and Chief of Venezuela Petroleum Corporation Gavaredene.

(15) Agreement on Economic and Technological Cooperation between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Venezuela, signed in Caracas on September 23, 2000, by Vice-Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Sun Zhenyu and Venezuelan Vice-Minister of Production and Trade Alerdes. The Agreement went into effect on the date of signature with validity for five years.

(16) Memorandum of Understanding on Establishing Sino-Venezuelan Senior Mixed Committee between China and Venezuela, signed in Caracas on April 17, 2001, by Minister of State Development Planning Commission Zeng Peiyan and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Davila.

(17) Agreement on Avoiding Double Taxation on Income and Property and Preventing Taxes Evasion between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Venezuela, signed in Caracas on April 17, 2001, by Minister of State Tax Bureau Jin Renqing and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Davila.

(18) Framework Agreement on China Providing Preferential Loan to Venezuela, signed in Caracas on April 17, 2001, by Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Shi Guangsheng and Venezuelan Finance Minister Rojas.

(19) Executive Plan of the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation between China and Venezuela for 2001-2003, signed in Caracas on April 17, 2001, by Vice-Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Venezuelan Vice-Minister of Culture Espinosa.

(20) Memorandum of Understanding on Engineering and Technology Cooperation between Chinese Academy of Engineering and Venezuelan Ministry of Planning and Development, signed in Caracas on April 17, 2001, by Vice-President of Chinese Academy of Engineering Wang Dianzuo and Venezuelan Minister of Planning and Development Giordani.

(21) Agreement on Cooperation in Emulsified Oil, signed in Caracas on April 17, 2001, by General Manager of Chinese Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ma Fucai and President of Venezuelan Oil Corporation Lameda.

(22) 3-Years Contract on Supplying Emulsified Oil, signed in Caracas on April 17, 2001, by Vice-President of Chinese Union Oil Product Corporation and General Manager of Venezuelan Auliroco Bitumen Corporation Losada.

(23) Agreement on Cooperation in Geology and Mineral Resources between Chinese Geology Survey Administration and Venezuelan National Geology and Mineral Resources Bureau, signed in Caracas on April 17, 2001, by Deputy Director General of Chinese Geology Survey Administration Wang Da and Chief of Venezuelan National Geology and Mineral Resources Bureau Osorio.

(24) Statutes of the Senior Mixed Committee between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Venezuela, signed in Beijing on May 24, 2001, by Minister of State Development Planning Commission Zeng Peiyan and Venezuelan Minister of Planning and Development Giordani.

(25) Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Cooperation Decade (2001-2011) between Chinese State Development Planning Commission and Venezuelan Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, signed in Beijing on May 24, 2001, by Minister of State Development Planning Commission Zeng Peiyan and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Davila.

(26) Memorandum of Understanding on Long-term Agricultural Cooperation Between Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Venezuelan Ministry of Industry and Trade, signed in Beijing on May 24, 2001, by Vice-Minister of Agriculture Wan Baorui and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Davila.

(27) Letter of Intent on Cooperation in Science, Technology and Creation Between Chinese and Venezuelan Ministries of Science and Technology, signed in Beijing on May 24, 2001, by Vice-Minister of Science and Technology Ma Songde and Venezuelan Minister of Science and Technology Genatios.