What Maduro's Detention Means for China

One of the prevailing narratives that's emerged following the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela and the detention of President Nicolás Maduro is that this is a major setback for China. Some analysts have called it a "strategic failure" on Beijing's part, while others have described it as "reality check" for China's role as a "global player." But China's ability to influence events in Venezuela and elsewhere in Latin America is extremely limited, so the assessment that what happened in Caracas was a blow to Beijing may also be overstated. Alonso Illueca, CGSP's non-resident fellow for Latin America and the Caribbean, joins Eric from Panama City to discuss whether Maduro's capture presents new risks or opportunities for China. 📌 Topics covered include: • China's response to the U.S. detention of Nicolás Maduro • Why Venezuela matters to China: oil, loans, and exposure • Why Venezuela is not a Taiwan precedent • The U.S. "Our Hemisphere" doctrine and spheres of influence • China's special envoy visit to Caracas • Short-term setbacks vs. long-term gains for China • Electoral pushback against China in Latin America • Panama tensions over ports and Chinese-linked infrastructure • Why Latin America cannot quickly decouple from China • Military force vs. economic leverage in U.S.–China rivalry Show Notes: The China-Global South Project: • Q&A: Maduro's Fall Tests China's Influence in Washington's Backyard • by Alonso Illueca The China-Global South Project: • U.S. Strike in Venezuela Intensifies Chinese Media Debate Over Taiwan • by Han Zhen Join the Discussion: X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander | @stadenesque | @christiangeraud Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social Follow CGSP in French and Spanish: • French: www.projetafriquechine.com • | @AfrikChine • Spanish: www.chinalasamericas.com • | @ChinaAmericas Join us Patreon! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth