US Expands Military Presence Targeting Venezuela Amid China Influence Concerns

President Donald Trump has intensified U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, deploying the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group and other forces to counter drug trafficking and challenge Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's regime, which the U.S. accuses of drug trafficking, corruption, and human rights abuses. This military buildup, described as the "Donroe Doctrine," aims to curb Chinese and Russian influence in the region, particularly targeting Venezuela's vast oil reserves and Chinese Belt and Road investments. Trump has authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela, signaling a possible push for regime change under the guise of combating narcotics trafficking. The U.S. military has conducted strikes on suspected drug boats, escalating tensions and raising concerns about violations of international law and the potential for wider conflict. Latin American leaders, including Brazil's foreign policy adviser, have warned that U.S. intervention could destabilize the continent and provoke political radicalization. Critics argue that a war with Venezuela would be costly and counterproductive, with some suggesting that China's influence is a key driver behind U.S. actions in the region.