While it might seem minor it was yet another sign of Venezuela’s need to publicize its rapprochement with China in the midst of tension with the US.

Tensions in the Caribbean are surging as the United States dispatched three Aegis-equipped destroyers—the USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Sampson—to waters near Venezuela, aiming to bolster its counter-narcotics operations, according to U.S. defense officials.

In response to an increased U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro announced that his government will activate a special plan to mobilize over 4.5 million militia members across the country to “defend national sovereignty.