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Nicolas Maduro

Nicolas Maduro
The latest news and top stories on Nicolas Maduro, the former president of Venezuela in US custody. After more than a decade in power, Maduro’s tenure effectively ended on January 3, 2026, when he was abducted by US special forces during a pre-dawn raid on his Caracas compound. He and his wife, Cilia Flores, were subsequently exfiltrated to New York City to face narcotrafficking charges.
A child’s toy and debris in La Guaira, Venezuela. Photo: Reuters
Venezuela

Venezuela faces post-quake medical crisis as threat of infections looms

A public health emergency in Venezuela, unless quickly controlled, could take more lives in the days and weeks ahead.

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Venezuela

From raid to relief: US military aids Venezuela after twin earthquakes

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China's military weapons

Should China worry more about keeping defence customers than winning new deals?

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Venezuela

Why did they pancake? Building failures, soft soil amplify Venezuela quake destruction

Experts point to poor code enforcement, risky geography as factors in collapses in the wake of twin earthquakes.

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An aerial view shows the catastrophic destruction of flattened housing structures in La Guaira, Venezuela. Photo: Handout via Reuters
Venezuela

Critical rescue window passes in quake-hit Venezuela as death toll nears 1,500

While a 21-year-old man was found alive after 106 hours trapped under rubble, hopes are fading for thousands of people unaccounted for.

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Natural disasters

Venezuelan boy pulled alive from rubble 3 days after deadly quakes

Residents clawed away rubble from collapsed buildings in search of survivors, amid public outrage over the government’s response.

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Americas and the Caribbean

Time runs out for thousands missing after Venezuela earthquakes

With at least 920 dead and more than 51,000 missing, a critical 72-hour window for rescuing survivors has almost closed.

Residents and rescue workers search through the rubble two days after an earthquake struck in La Guaira, Venezuela, on Friday. Photo: AP
Venezuela

Editorial | World quick to answer stricken Venezuela’s call for aid

Even countries that had broken off ties with Caracas have reached out to help, showing the power disaster has to unite people in adversity.

Venezuelan crisis

In Venezuela, China’s oil-for-loan deals run into huge US-led debt restructuring

Beijing’s influence in Caracas seen fading, with Washington controlling Venezuela’s oil revenues and debt overhaul, potentially triggering a stand-off.

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Venezuela

Venezuela earthquakes draw aid from governments that cut ties with Caracas

Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and other governments that suspended relations with the country offer rescue teams and humanitarian aid.

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Neighbours carry a man from the rubble of a collapsed building in La Guaira, Venezuela. Photo: AP
US-Venezuela conflict

As Venezuela reels from earthquake disaster, a test for new US relationship

Washington’s swift disaster response clearest indication yet of how relationship with Caracas has evolved, but bigger challenges lie ahead.

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People walk and ride past collapsed structures and debris following an earthquake in Catia La Mar, Venezuela, on Wednesday. Photo: AFP
United States

Trump opens 250th US birthday party with a campaign-style rally

The US president put himself and his policies at the centre of the opening event on the National Mall in Washington.

War and conflict

Opinion | 8 takeaways from the US-Iran war

From the rise of devastating asymmetric warfare to the crumbling of the US maritime hegemony and alliances, the war offers food for thought.

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Vietnam

Asian Angle | When the US comes for Cuba, what can Vietnam do?

Vietnam has stood by Cuba for 60 years. Now Washington is raising the price of that friendship – and Hanoi must decide what it’s worth.

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Vietnam’s To Lam (left) and Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel review a guard of honour during a welcoming ceremony in Hanoi on September 1, 2025. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong society

Easy money or risky business? What can Hong Kong do as prediction markets boom?

Despite official warnings ahead of World Cup, Polymarket and Kalshi remain popular with residents who bet on everything from politics to weather.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
Americas and the Caribbean

Under US pressure, Cuba unveils largest economic reform in decades

National Assembly votes unanimously to approve dozens of reforms aimed at opening up the struggling island’s economy.

China-Latin America relations

China says US ‘invented’ terrorism charges to justify Cuba blockade

Foreign ministry rebutted Marco Rubio’s claim that Cuba sponsors terrorism and demanded an end to US sanctions on the island.

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China-Latin America relations

Opinion | China’s economic inroads in Latin America are hitting political walls

China’s economic gains in the Americas are real, but Donald Trump’s return to the White House shows that political success is another story.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Cuba

Cuba receives shipment of rice donated by China as US squeezes island

Beijing reinforces ties through ‘the largest food aid’ in recent years as Cuba reels under economic crisis.

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China-Latin America relations

US casts Cuba as China-linked security threat while still pushing for talks

Washington portrays Havana as a national security risk tied to Beijing and Moscow while insisting diplomacy remains possible.

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China-Latin America relations

US charges Raul Castro as Trump administration ratchets up pressure on Cuba

Historic murder charges against 94-year-old former leader mark the first time Washington has criminally pursued a Castro brother.

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Former Cuban president Raul Castro attends a May Day rally in Havana, Cuba, on May 1. Photo: Reuters
China-Russia relations

China and Russia warn US Golden Dome poses ‘clear threat’ to stability

Days after Xi-Trump talks, Beijing and Moscow slam Washington’s military provocations and its plans for missile defence system.

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China and Russia say the Golden Dome missile defence system initiated by US President Donald Trump would have “serious negative consequences for international security”. Photo: AP
China-Latin America relations

US plans to charge Raul Castro increases Trump administration’s pressure on Cuba

US Justice Department preparing to indict ageing Cuban leader on Wednesday over the shooting down of two aircraft three decades ago.

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2026 Xi-Trump summits

Marco Rubio dons ‘Maduro look’ as he heads to China, sparking internet frenzy

Chinese social media users react to Rubio’s tracksuit photo, calling it a ‘meaningless gimmick’ and raising questions about sanctions.

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Diplomacy

Opinion | Latin America is reassessing the benefits of warm ties with Beijing

From Honduras to Cuba and Venezuela, leaders are taking a more transactional view of what relations with Beijing really bring.

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Honduran President Nasry Asfura, seen during general elections in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, on November 30, has ordered a review of deals with Beijing after Tegucigalpa cut ties with Taipei. Photo: AP
China-Latin America relations

US targets Cuba nickel operation in move affecting China-linked supply chains

Marco Rubio revealed sanctions on Thursday, escalating Trump administration’s pressure campaign against Havana’s military-controlled economy.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions on Thursday against Moa Nickel SA, a joint venture between Sherritt International and Cuba’s state-owned General Nickel Company. Photo: Xinhua
China-Latin America relations

Beijing backs Cuba, Chile reveals smuggling ring: Latin America relations reads

From a smuggling ring in Chile to rare earth wrangling in Brazil, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in April 2026.

United States

First direct US-Venezuela commercial flight in 7 years heads to Caracas

For the past seven years, passengers have relied on international airlines and indirect routes through neighbouring Latin American countries.

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