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Counting China’s wins and losses among ‘swing nations’ in new era of power rivalry

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2026年1月17日
2 min read
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Counting China’s wins and losses among ‘swing nations’ in new era of power rivalry

It took the United States less than three hours to stun the world with its abduction of the sitting leader of a sovereign state, but the strategic ramifications of that dramatic operation are likely to reverberate for decades.

In laying bare the limits of China’s economic-centric diplomacy towards third countries in its competition with the US, the Venezuela crisis has delivered a stark reminder that spheres of influence continue to shape global politics in this new era of great power rivalry.

According to observers, the abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3 underscored the challenges facing Beijing in its ambitions to serve as a credible counterweight to Washington in the region and across the Global South.

In the intensifying rivalry for sway among middle powers and the so-called swing states – those not fully aligned with either great power – China had expanded its presence through economic clout, infrastructure investments and strategic partnerships in regions traditionally dominated by the US, they noted.

China was Latin America and the Caribbean’s second-largest trading partner in 2025. The region is also one of the favoured destinations for Chinese companies investing overseas, along with Southeast Asia.

The strategic ramifications of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro’s abduction by US special forces are expected to reverberate for decades. Photo: Reuters

China has also deepened technological and scientific cooperation with the region, which it views as central to its drive for a united Global South capable of countering US pressure and advancing a new multipolar international order.

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