"It's impressive. I know everything thanks to this phone. Chinese President Xi Jinping gave me this Huawei, the best phone in the world," Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on 1/9, showing off the Mate X6 during an international press conference in Caracas.

He asserted that it's a phone "the Americans can't hack, not by satellite or spy plane."

President Nicolas Maduro shows off his Huawei phone on 1/9 during a press conference in Caracas. Video: Reuters

While the Venezuelan leader has often publicly supported the Chinese tech company Huawei, this is the first time he has mentioned receiving a gift from President Xi.

During an education conference in August, Maduro also showed off the Mate X6 to delegates, mentioning its satellite communication capabilities and that he was learning to use it.

"This is the most advanced phone in the world," he said, then put the phone to his ear, saying "Hello" and "Thank you" in Chinese.

Argentinian media noted that Maduro's display of the phone "not only demonstrates the good relationship between Venezuela and China, but also shows his desire for global connection."

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro at a press conference in Caracas on 1/9. Photo: Reuters

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro at a press conference in Caracas on 1/9. Photo: Reuters

During a trip to China in 9/2023, President Maduro showed off his Mate X3 while visiting the Venezuelan embassy. He praised the device's security and modern features, recommending it to young people for its anti-eavesdropping and uninterrupted communication capabilities.

He also lauded Chinese investment and economic presence as "the biggest driver of development in Latin America and the Caribbean today."

In 2023, Venezuela and China elevated their relationship to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," reflecting extensive cooperation across various sectors, including economics, technology, agriculture, and investment.

China is Venezuela's largest economic partner, having invested and loaned tens of billions of USD, supporting Venezuela amid economic sanctions from the US and its allies. President Maduro considers the relationship with China central to his efforts to develop the economy and industrialize the country.

Thanh Danh (Reuters, Global Times)