Key facts
- Rubio defended Washington's oil agreement in Venezuela.
- He stated the deal offers an alternative to Chinese and Russian involvement.
- Most oilfields involved were previously held by Chinese or Russian firms.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Washington's oil agreement in Venezuela on Monday, framing it as an alternative to Chinese and Russian involvement. He pushed back against criticism from opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, noting that most oilfields controlled by the company partnering with Washington had previously been held or operated by Chinese or Russian firms. Rubio argued that the agreement would help revive production while securing US access to reserves.