Big Take Asia The Domino Effect of the ‘Donroe Doctrine’
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Jan 16, 2026 Nicholas Burns, a seasoned U.S. diplomat and Harvard professor specializing in U.S.-China relations, dives into the geopolitical ripples following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro. He reveals how this event challenges China's influence in Latin America. Burns discusses the implications of the ‘Donroe Doctrine’ as a potential tool for China to gain a strategic edge. He also warns about the precedent this sets for Taiwan and Ukraine, as well as the risks to NATO from U.S. unilateral actions, painting a vivid picture of a shifting global landscape.
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Embarrassing Timing For China
- Nicolás Maduro met Chinese officials in Caracas hours before U.S. special forces captured him, creating an embarrassing moment for Beijing.
- Burns says the timing humiliated China and represented a loss of face and influence in Venezuela.
China's Deep Latin America Inroads
- China has become the dominant trade partner in much of South America by 2024, investing heavily in energy, infrastructure, and loans to governments like Venezuela.
- Nicholas Burns says China will keep competing in Latin America and demand a seat at any debt or stabilization talks in Venezuela.
China Will Stay And Compete
- China won't abandon Venezuela despite U.S. pressure and will exploit fissures to protect its investments and influence.
- Burns expects China to demand involvement in debt restructuring and to ramp up state enterprise investment across South America.