No one blinked when Venezuela declared itself at war with the US. President Trump said he would not bother declaring a war against the drug cartels, opting to simply kill any potential smugglers. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was labeled a terrorist by US intelligence agencies this week. The West showed no concern over the matter, but it turns out Maduro has friends in low places.
Chinese President Xi Jinping published a birthday message to Maduro, declaring the two nations “intimate friends” and promising to “safeguard their sovereignty and national security, the dignity of the nation, and social stability.” Xi did not mince words or ask a party member to speak on his behalf. “China resolutely opposes the meddling of external forces in Venezuela’s internal affairs under any pretext,” Xi wrote in direct opposition to the US.
Russia also chimed in on the discussion, with Putin calling Maduro a “dear friend” and “strategic partner.” China has accused the US of violating the United Nations Charter by threatening Venezuela’s sovereignty and security. Venezuela is now a formidable opponent, a potential launching point for yet another proxy war.
The model had been targeting the week of August 18, 2025, as the beginning of heightened tensions and a turning point on the Panic Cycle. Not only did we see an unexpected meeting between Russian and American leaders, but the US began to encircle Venezuela, and Israel called up its reserve troops to continue its attack on Gaza. At the time, I questioned whether Putin had given Trump the green light to surround Venezuela, as Russia was its primary protector.
Remember that Venezuela was one of the wealthiest, most powerful nations in the world before it turned to socialism. In 1950, Venezuela ranked near the top globally in terms of income per person, and the oil boom boosted the nation before everything imploded in the 1980s.
China is currently one of Venezuela’s top trading partners. Moreover, China does not want the West to have unilateral power to impose regime changes without pushback. Now, China has condemned the attack on Venezuela, but that is quite different than pledging direct support. The cards have been laid on the table, and the leaders of the game are prepared to fight on a new front if needed. Stretching the West’s military to the brink, fighting on so many global fronts, may be a strategic long-term play.