Maduro's Capture: A Major Blow to China's Influence in Latin America

• The US military operation capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro significantly undermined Beijing's long-term influence in Latin America.
• The rapid US raid exposed the limitations of China's economic and military reach, highlighting Washington's ability to override Beijing's ambitions.
• Trump explicitly warned China and Russia to stay out of the Western Hemisphere, emphasizing US dominance in the region.
• Maduro's capture, just hours after meeting China's special envoy, embarrassed Beijing and revealed the ineffectiveness of Chinese-supplied air defenses.
• Analysts suggest the incident makes nations with Chinese defense equipment question their safety and China's ability to protect its partners.

Why It Matters: Maduro's capture by the US exposed the limits of China's power and influence in Latin America.