Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on Tuesday accused Washington of blocking a sale of Brazilian military aircraft to his government and said he could turn to China instead to purchase warplanes.

An ardent foe of U.S. President George W. Bush, Chavez last year sought out arms deals with Russia, Spain and Brazilian manufacturer Embraer to modernize the military in Venezuela, the world's No. 5 oil exporter and a key U.S. energy supplier.

U.S. officials, who brand Chavez a negative influence in South America, worry his government's purchase of attack helicopters, patrol ships and new automatic rifles could test the stability of the region.