American Thought Leaders Why Maduro’s Capture Is a Major Blow for Beijing | J. Michael Waller
Jan 7, 2026
J. Michael Waller, a senior analyst at the Center for Security Policy, dives into the geopolitical fallout of capturing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. He discusses how this action challenges China's influence in Venezuela, a crucial part of their global strategy. Waller also highlights Venezuela's transformation into a crime-ridden state under Maduro, the implications for U.S. and Chinese military credibility, and how this could reshape the balance of power in the region. Expect insights on the future of Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran amidst shifting alliances.
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Venezuela Became A Gangster State
- Venezuela devolved from a prosperous democracy into a gangster state that prioritized looting over governance.
- That collapse allowed adversaries like China, Russia, Hezbollah, and drug cartels to build enclaves inside the country.
Venezuela Was A Strategic Linchpin For China
- Venezuela was a strategic linchpin for China's global maritime and energy plans, offering ports and vast oil reserves.
- Losing control of Venezuela removes a cheap, sanctioned oil source and damages Beijing's Atlantic and Caribbean ambitions.
Chinese Systems Were Bypassed In The Raid
- U.S. forces reportedly penetrated and disabled Chinese-made Huawei and air-defense systems during the raid.
- That failure undermines confidence in Russian and Chinese military and telecom exports.
