Washington: Former US President Donald Trump stated that the ongoing efforts led by the United States to revive Venezuela’s oil sector are crucial to prevent China and Russia from expanding their influence in the region.
Speaking at the White House with leaders of American and international oil companies, Trump emphasized that had the US not taken timely action, China or Russia would have quickly taken control of Venezuela’s energy resources.
“If we had not acted, either China or Russia would have been there already,” Trump said, underlining the strategic importance of US involvement in Venezuela’s oil production.
Trump also noted that while the US is open to selling oil to China and other countries, control over Venezuela’s oil output must align with American interests.
“We are ready to do business in America and also in Venezuela,” he added, highlighting the economic potential and strategic considerations behind the US policy.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the previous government for allowing Venezuela to become a base for hostile forces. He remarked that it was detrimental to US security and national interests to have a country in the region under the control of an individual accused of serious crimes like drug trafficking.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright underscored the far-reaching consequences of Venezuela’s decline, citing widespread corruption and economic collapse as a severe crisis for the Venezuelan people and the region.
Trump revealed that US military pressure was applied without engaging in a prolonged war. He clarified that the military strength was used not for combat but to disrupt Venezuela’s oil supply.
This approach, he explained, mirrors the US strategy in other critical areas to curb the influence of China and Russia. “We will not allow Russia or China to take over Venezuela,” Trump asserted firmly.
Latin America has long been strategically important for the United States. Considering energy security and global political competition, successive US administrations have crafted policies to safeguard their interests in the region.
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