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Venezuela

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is situated on the northern coast of South America. Home to an estimated population of 29.1 million, it covers around 916,445 square kilometres which includes the Andes mountains and the Amazon Basin Rainforest. Its main export is oil. Venezuela was colonized by Spain in 1522 but continued resistance led in 1811 to it becoming the first Spanish American country to declare independence. A chequered political history followed which saw dictatorships rise and fall, as well as military coups.

Capital

Caracas

Head of State

President Nicolás Maduro

Head of Government

President Nicolás Maduro

The Chancay port is a key Chinese investment in the region and a vital hub for mineral exports. Photo: Xinhua

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People attend an anti-Trump protest over US action in Venezuela near the US Embassy in Budapest, Hungary, on January 7. Photo: Reuters

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How the US raid in Venezuela has triggered Brazilian fury and a Chinese opening

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Trump declares US national emergency to protect Venezuela oil money

Despite the US president’s urging, energy firms are reluctant to return to the country, which one oil exec described as ‘uninvestable’.

11 Jan 2026 - 5:40AM

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In December 2024, US President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself standing on mountain with a Canadian flag next to him and the caption “Oh Canada!”. Image: Truth Social/realDonaldTrump

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US President Donald Trump (right) spoke with Colombian President Gustavo Petro over the phone on Wednesday. Photos: AFP

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Trump ‘cancelled’ second Venezuela attack after prisoner release

Trump made the comments as he prepared to meet major oil corporations that he said will invest at least US$100 billion in Venezuela.

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US President Donald Trump gestures as he addresses House Republicans in Washington on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

US-Venezuela conflict

US seizes fifth tanker as Washington escalates bid to control Venezuela’s oil

Joint US forces intercept the Olina amid Trump talks with Chevron, ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips on US$100 billion Venezuela plan.

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US-Venezuela conflict

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Interim president Delcy Rodriguez thanked Beijing for its ‘firm and consistent’ stance following the abduction of Nicolas Maduro.

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Venezuela interim president Delcy Rodriguez meets Chinese ambassador Lan Hu. Photo: Handout

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US Drug Enforcement Administration agents move captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores out of a helicopter in New York City, on January 5. Photo: Reuters

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China-Africa relations

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Gun violence in the US

US border agent shoots 2 in Portland traffic stop as national tensions rise

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A damaged car and law enforcement officials at the scene of the shooting in Portland. Photo: AP

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Trump’s comment that Taiwan issue is ‘up to Xi’ stirs defence concern in Taipei

In a New York Times interview, the US president says he does not believe the island would be attacked during his term.

9 Jan 2026 - 5:42PMvideocam

121

US President Donald Trump has rejected suggestions that the Venezuelan operation could set a precedent in the Taiwan Strait. Photo: Getty Images

South Korea

Top Seoul official calls Venezuela raid ‘violent atrocity’, stirring unease

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China trade

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US-Venezuela conflict

Venezuela frees opposition figures and activists, which Trump says US requested

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Bolivarian National Police unload riot control gear outside the Helicoide detention centre in Caracas before the release of foreign and Venezuelan prisoners. Photo: Reuters

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US-Venezuela conflict

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Venezuela

Can Peru keep both China and US onside in an increasingly volatile environment?

Its mineral resources make it a focus for superpower rivalry, but analysts say the country is in a very different situation to Venezuela.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Bondi response must go beyond policing and towards rebuilding unity

Nobel panel rejects Machado’s idea to give her Peace Prize to Trump

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Editorial | What happens next in Venezuela should be of international concern

If the US can take over the running of a country in this way, it could be the beginning of a slippery slope.

How the US raid in Venezuela has triggered Brazilian fury and a Chinese opening

Latin America’s largest economy seeks ‘delicate balance’ between Trump’s ambitions and boosting ties with Beijing, its top trading partner.

Trump declares US national emergency to protect Venezuela oil money

Despite the US president’s urging, energy firms are reluctant to return to the country, which one oil exec described as ‘uninvestable’.

Trump’s Venezuela and Greenland threats make Canada fear it’s next

The shock capture of Maduro and talk of seizing the Arctic island are forcing Canadians to take Trump’s 51st state threats seriously.

Venezuela’s furious streets forces are angry, armed and asking questions

The ousting of Maduro has left the ‘colectivos’ frustrated and bewildered, convinced that he was betrayed by close allies.

‘Something has to give’: Iran on the brink as protest fury mounts

Weakened by conflict with Israel and a plummeting currency, analysts say the regime faces a choice between radical reform or collapse.

Trump says Colombia’s Petro to visit US, in U-turn from threats to diplomacy

Just days ago, Trump had issued a warning to the South American leader for criticising the US attack that removed Venezuela’s Maduro.

Trump ‘cancelled’ second Venezuela attack after prisoner release

Trump made the comments as he prepared to meet major oil corporations that he said will invest at least US$100 billion in Venezuela.

US seizes fifth tanker as Washington escalates bid to control Venezuela’s oil

Joint US forces intercept the Olina amid Trump talks with Chevron, ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips on US$100 billion Venezuela plan.

How far is China willing to help Cuba in face of increasing US pressure?

The Trump administration has turned the spotlight onto Havana after the abduction of former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.

China says it is ‘deeply committed’ to Venezuela as ambassador meets new leader

Interim president Delcy Rodriguez thanked Beijing for its ‘firm and consistent’ stance following the abduction of Nicolas Maduro.

As I see it | Welcome, world, to the American jungle

Far from deterring China and Russia, the operation signals that brute force, not international law, now defines American action.

Greenland. Greenland. Greenland. Why is Trump so fixed on the US having it?

Denmark says it’s not for sale and people on the island seem opposed to being owned by the United States.

China FM Wang Yi opens Africa tour with united call for rules-based order

In Ethiopia, Wang joins African Union leader Mahmoud Ali Youssouf in voicing concerns over US raid on Venezuela.

.css-rcruog{color:#C79A00;}Video | How will Maduro’s US abduction change Latin America?

Trump corollary of the Monroe Doctrine envisions a far more assertive and aggressive US foreign policy towards Latin America.

China’s ‘sweep and kill’ weapon, Malaysians opting for Singapore: 7 highlights

From China’s long game after Trump’s Venezuela operation to Eric Tsang leaving TVB, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Letters | As Hongkongers unite around Tai Po, the fire probe must deliver

Readers discuss how to sustain social cohesion in Hong Kong, the kindness of Hongkongers, and why the world must respond to the Venezuela raid.

US border agent shoots 2 in Portland traffic stop as national tensions rise

DHS says a suspected Venezuelan gang member tried to ram agents with a car, a day after a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis.

Trump’s comment that Taiwan issue is ‘up to Xi’ stirs defence concern in Taipei

In a New York Times interview, the US president says he does not believe the island would be attacked during his term.

Top Seoul official calls Venezuela raid ‘violent atrocity’, stirring unease

Park Seok-woon, head of a panel in the Prime Minister’s Office, faces scrutiny for denouncing US toppling of Maduro at a rally in Seoul.

With US focused on Venezuela, China has window to pressure Japan: analysts

Beijing’s trade actions raise stakes with Tokyo, as China’s rare earth power and Japan’s chip dominance are seen as potentially key levers in their bilateral dispute.

Venezuela frees opposition figures and activists, which Trump says US requested

The releases are the first by Venezuela’s new leaders in an apparent concession to the US after its ouster of Nicolas Maduro.

Opinion | Maduro’s fate in Venezuela hardens North Korea’s nuclear resolve

It confirms Pyongyang’s belief that leaders seen as thorns in the US side who lack nuclear weapons ultimately fall victim to US intervention.

US will end China’s dominance of rare earths, Trump adviser Navarro predicts

The president’s trade aide says American innovation will ‘quickly wipe away’ Beijing’s ‘weaponisation’ of critical minerals.

US Senate rebukes Trump on Venezuela with war powers vote

Five Republicans join Democrats in a 52-47 vote to limit further military action as the president eyes Greenland next.

Letters | Bondi response must go beyond policing and towards rebuilding unity

Editorial | What happens next in Venezuela should be of international concern

Video | How will Maduro’s US abduction change Latin America?