China specialist on Venezuela: ‘U.S. neocolonialism cannot conquer justice’

A woman carries a sign depicting the front cover of V.I. Lenin's book, 'Imperialism: The Highest Stage of Capitalism,' at a demonstration against the U.S. bombing of Venezuela and the kidnapping of Nicolás Maduro outside the U.S. Consulate in Amsterdam, Jan. 4, 2026. | Peter Dejong / AP

U.S. troops invaded Venezuela on Jan. 3, illegally capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and taking them out of the country. The U.S. claimed it would prosecute them on U.S. soil for facilitating drug trafficking, an act that not only severely undermines international law and tramples on international norms but also has profound implications for regional stability.

At its core, the U.S. aims to plunder Venezuela’s abundant oil and gas reserves and reassert comprehensive control over the Western Hemisphere, essentially re-enacting “neocolonialism” in the Americas.

Following the commencement of Trump’s second term, the United States has significantly intensified its intervention and assertion of interests in the Western Hemisphere, introducing the “Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine,” which vividly showcases the essence of hegemonism.

The current Venezuelan government is seen as a cornerstone of the bloc opposing U.S. domination in Latin America, and for over two decades, the U.S. has unsuccessfully attempted to achieve regime change in the country through various means.

During Trump’s first term, the U.S. supported opposition leader Juan Guaidó against the Maduro government, but the efforts failed. On resuming the presidency, Trump, confronted with global turmoil, urgently needs to establish U.S. authority, gain tangible benefits and political capital, and fulfill the “America First” campaign promise, with Latin America being the easiest target for such endeavors.

By acting against Venezuela, the U.S. achieves a “triple win.” First, Venezuela has abundant oil and gas reserves, from which the U.S. can seize a large amount to gain substantial profits.

Second, overthrowing President Maduro serves as a deterrent to other Latin American countries that are not aligned with the U.S., warning them against opposing the U.S. Especially as an increasing number of Latin American countries attempt to pursue independent paths and explore mutually beneficial cooperation with major countries outside the region, the U.S. aims to force Latin American countries to choose sides.

Third, it influences the regional political landscape by building a pro-U.S. bloc. Latin American countries have entered a new era, with right-wing presidential candidates winning elections in Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, and Honduras in 2025; these newly elected leaders generally express a desire to strengthen cooperation with the U.S. As Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Costa Rica are set to hold elections in 2026, it is no surprise that the U.S. is seeking to expand its influence in the region to secure greater benefits.

However, such calculated maneuvers may backfire. Chilean President Gabriel Boric has condemned the U.S. military operation in Venezuela and warned that “tomorrow it could be any other country.”

More Latin American people are opposing the resurgence of the “Monroe Doctrine” and striving for an independent path. While might may overthrow a regime, it can never conquer the pursuit of justice.

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An earlier version of this article appeared in China Daily. As with all op-eds published by People’s World, the views represented here are those of the author.

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CONTRIBUTOR

Jin Xiaowen

Jin Xiaowen is an Associate Professor with the School of International Studies at Renmin University of China and secretary-general of the Latin American Research Center.