China Cheers US Venezuela Optics, Fears Fallout: A Strategic Paradox

• Beijing publicly condemned the US operation to capture Venezuelan President Maduro as illegal and destabilizing.
• Privately, China views the US action as a "strategic gift," undermining Washington's moral authority and providing rhetorical ammunition against US "hypocrisy" on international law.
• China leverages the incident to strengthen its narrative as a defender of sovereignty and non-interference, especially concerning Taiwan and the South China Sea.
• The episode allows China to rally developing countries and push for UN Security Council debate, framing the US as a "world's police."
• Despite rhetorical gains, China faces the loss of a close partner, significant investments in Venezuela, and questions about its security assurances in Latin America.

Why It Matters: China gains rhetorical advantage against US unilateralism but faces strategic losses and doubts on its influence.