On July 21, 2014, President Xi Jinping, who was on a state visit to Venezuela, went to the mausoleum of former President Hugo Chávez of Venezuela to pay homage.

Chávez's mausoleum is located on a hill near Caracas. Once a military camp, this was where Chávez commanded revolutions in 1992.

On the way, the Venezuelan people gathered along the roads, waving the national flags of both China and Venezuela, carrying placards with slogans showing a warm welcome to President Xi Jinping, and cheering "Long live China-Venezuela friendship!" The local people wearing national costumes played local traditional musical instruments and danced merrily. The local militiamen holding red flags stood in formations to show their welcome.

When Xi Jinping arrived, Vice President Jorge Arreaza of Venezuela and his wife and Chávez's daughter Rosa Virginia led government ministers and senior commanders of the armed forces to welcome him.

Chávez's mausoleum was located in the courtyard. Xi Jinping observed silence and slowly walked around the mausoleum for a circle to show homage.

Xi Jinping walked into the exhibition room. Here exhibited Chávez's belongings and pictures about revolution, working and living during his lifetime. Xi Jinping watched them while listening to Arreaza's explanations. Xi Jinping pointed out that Chávez is a charismatic leader, a great friend of the Chinese people, and also a good friend of mine. He was fond of the Chinese culture, had deep understanding of the history and governance philosophy of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and made outstanding contributions to developing China-Venezuela relations. I met with Chávez twice, the scene of which is still vivid to this day. The old friend is gone, but his demeanor will last forever. The Chinese people cherish the memory of him. I am glad to see that the Venezuelan government and people have inherited his cause, and I believe that you will continuously make new progress along the road of building your country.

Arreaza noted that President Chávez had sincere and friendly feelings towards China and attached great importance to the Venezuela-China relations during his lifetime. Their best way to commemorate him is to inherit his behest and continuously deepen the bilateral friendship.

Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu, Yang Jiechi and others were present at the above events.