Rubio invokes China, Russia to defend disputed Venezuela oil deal

What happened: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Washington's oil agreement in Venezuela as an alternative to Chinese and Russian involvement, pushing back against criticism from opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Why it matters: Rubio said most oilfields controlled by the company partnering with Washington had previously been held or operated by Chinese or Russian firms, and argued the agreement would help revive production while securing US access to reserves.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Washington's oil agreement in Venezuela as an alternative to Chinese and Russian involvement, pushing back against criticism from opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.

Rubio said most oilfields controlled by the company partnering with Washington had previously been held or operated by Chinese or Russian firms, and argued the agreement would help revive production while securing US access to reserves.