The US-China race for hi-tech resources intensifies across the Global South, pressuring swing nations in the middle to strike a balance. The Venezuela crisis has laid bare the limits of China's economic-centric diplomacy in competing with the US, serving as a stark reminder that spheres of influence continue to shape global politics in this new era of great power rivalry.
In the intensifying rivalry between the US and China for sway among middle powers and so-called swing states—those not fully aligned with either great power—China has expanded its presence through economic clout, infrastructure investments, and strategic partnerships in regions traditionally dominated by the US.
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.
The Venezuela crisis has delivered a stark reminder of the limits of China's economic-centric diplomacy towards third countries in its competition with the US. While China has made inroads in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia—such as partnerships in Bolivia and Argentina—swing nations like India, Panama, and Canada face pressures to choose sides. Keywords highlight figures like Nicolas Maduro and Trump, alongside Brics, underscoring geopolitical dynamics.
Observers note that despite these efforts, the reality of spheres of influence constrains China's approach.
