The United States has sent a clear message to China to refrain from strengthening its political and economic influence on the American continent. Reuters reports this in connection with a U.S. operation carried out in Venezuela, as a result of which Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were detained on January 3.
According to senior U.S. administration officials, the operation related to Venezuela is part of a broader strategy aimed at limiting the growing influence of China and Russia in Latin America. As Reuters notes, Washington views the region as a key area of its national security and considers the strengthening of any competing power there a strategic challenge.
The report states that the United States is particularly concerned about China’s expanding economic involvement in Latin America, including in the energy sector. In recent years, China has become one of Venezuela’s main economic partners, especially in terms of oil exports and financial support. According to U.S. officials, this cooperation provides Beijing not only with economic leverage but also with political influence in the region.
Reuters writes that the steps taken in Venezuela serve as a direct signal to China that the United States will not allow the consolidation of geopolitical forces in Latin America that run counter to its interests. Officials emphasize that this is not about a single country, but about the entire region, where Washington seeks to maintain the traditional balance of influence.
The tightening of the U.S. position comes amid China’s active expansion of economic ties with Latin American countries through infrastructure projects, loans, and energy cooperation. The American side views this process as a long-term challenge and states that it will counter such moves through both diplomatic and security instruments.
Source: Reuters
Author: Mariam Simsive
