The recent decision by President Donald Trump to order U.S. strikes on Venezuela and the capture of now-former President Nicolás Maduro has drawn swift condemnation from major global adversaries. China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba have all criticized the actions as violations of Venezuela’s sovereignty and international law, highlighting the geopolitical implications of this unilateral U.S. move.
In a statement, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed that China was “deeply shocked” by the attacks, asserting that the U.S. had clearly violated international law. He emphasized the need to protect the sovereignty and security of all nations, reflecting China’s longstanding policy of neutrality in foreign conflicts. Analysts suggest that while China’s economic ties with Venezuela are significant, the likelihood of direct intervention remains low. Eric Olander, co-founder of the China-Global South Project, noted that although China’s material support for Venezuela may diminish, it will likely lead diplomatic efforts at the United Nations to rally opposition against the U.S.
The economic relationship between China and Venezuela is crucial, with China purchasing about 80% of Venezuela’s oil exports. However, recent reports indicate that Venezuela’s oil production has significantly declined, now at less than one million barrels per day, down from three million barrels two decades ago. Should the U.S. successfully restore Venezuela’s oil infrastructure, it raises questions about whether increased production would be directed towards the U.S. market or remain in Asia.
In Russia, the reaction was similarly critical. Although President Vladimir Putin has not publicly commented on the strikes, former President Dmitry Medvedev condemned the U.S. actions as illegal and destabilizing. He acknowledged the consistency in Trump’s approach to defending national interests, particularly with regard to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. Ryan C. Berg, a director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, remarked that this operation aligns with Russia’s philosophy of asserting influence in its perceived spheres, drawing parallels between U.S. actions in Venezuela and its own military strategies in Ukraine.
Iran’s government is also facing internal unrest, with protests erupting against its leadership amid accusations of violent repression. Trump has threatened to intervene if Iranian authorities continue to harm peaceful protesters. The Iranian regime, led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has framed these protests as foreign-inspired unrest, attributing blame to the U.S. and Israel. Yet, some Iranians see Trump’s actions as an encouraging sign that similar pressures could be applied to their own government.
In the wake of the U.S. operation, Trump commented on the potential fallout for Cuba, predicting that the island’s communist government could soon collapse due to the loss of Venezuelan support. He stated, “Cuba looks like it is ready to fall,” referencing the economic dependence of Cuba on Venezuelan oil. Berg highlighted that if Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba cease, the island nation would face severe economic challenges.
The Cuban government has responded by condemning the U.S. actions, asserting that the international community must hold the U.S. accountable. They reported that 32 Cuban nationals, part of security forces in Venezuela, were killed during the U.S. operation. The Cuban government has called for regional nations to remain vigilant against potential U.S. aggression.
As the situation unfolds, the long-term implications for U.S. adversaries remain uncertain. The ongoing changes in Venezuela may reshape the political landscape in Latin America and challenge the influence of nations like China, Russia, and Iran. Each country is likely to reassess its strategies in response to the U.S. actions, as the global balance of power continues to shift.
