Venezuela was a major oil producer before WW2, back then it was them and the US that were the big boys. They still have major reserves and the demand is there.
I have never come across a good account about what Japans plan was in China, Russia well they did try that and got a bloody nose. Pearl Harbour etc was to grab everything and make it difficult to get it back and do some sort of deal, which at least makes some sense even if it was a trifle delusional.
Anyway if anyone has a good source for China let me know.