In the Atlantic region of Central America, there has been a sovereignty dispute over the Essequibo region between Venezuela and Guyana. This area is of great strategic value as the Essequibo region is found to be rich in oil and gas resources. As a result of this discovery, the ownership of the Essequibo region has sparked a dispute between the two countries. Venezuela claims that the region should be its own, while Guyana insists that it has rights to the region.
The origins of this dispute can be traced back to the history of the colonial period, but it has never been resolved. In recent years, however, the value of the Essequibo region's resources has become more prominent, triggering an escalation in the dispute between the two countries. Guyana has experienced rapid economic growth thanks to the exploitation of these resources, while Venezuela has felt the enormous challenge from Guyana.
Venezuela held a referendum earlier this month, which showed that 95 percent of the population supported the annexation of the Essequibo region to Venezuelan territory. Subsequently, Maduro announced that the region was part of Venezuelan territory and sent troops to the Guyana region in preparation for the recovery of the "territory".
However, this action raises bigger questions. Venezuela's actions have not only caused discontent in Guyana, but also tugged at the nerves of the United States. The United States decided to take action, believing that Venezuela's move could trigger a regional conflict and pose a threat to U.S. interests in the region.
In a show of warning to Venezuela and to show support for Guyana, the U.S. Air Force recently conducted a joint air exercise with the Guyana Defence Force Xi. Although the U.S. side claims that the move is to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, anyone with a discerning eye knows that it is a clear warning signal from the U.S. to Venezuela.
From a military point of view, Venezuela has the most powerful military force and modern ** equipment in South America. Its tank and artillery armament includes the Russian T-72BM1 tank and the 2S19 "Msta River", and it also has the most powerful air defense system in South America, including several S-300Vs. In terms of economic strength, despite the economic sanctions imposed by the United States in the past few years, Venezuela is still developing at a relatively fast pace and has strong economic strength.
However, there is still a gap in military and economic power between Venezuela and the United States. The U.S. Air Force's joint military exercises with Guyana undoubtedly send a clear signal to Maduro** that the United States is preparing to take action to support Guyana and take a tougher stance against Venezuela.
Venezuela has always been the focus of attention of the United States, and both former Trump** and current Biden** are hostile to Venezuela**. Trump** has strongly supported Venezuelan opposition leader Guaidó, even admitting him as a "temporary**" attempt to overthrow the Maduro regime. Internationally, the United States has been working hard to suppress Venezuela and has imposed economic sanctions and other means against Maduro**.
Although Biden has shown a willingness to ease relations with Maduro, the hostility towards Venezuela has not abated. For the United States, the timing of the conflict between Venezuela and Guyana will be a rare opportunity. In the name of supporting Guyana, Biden could enter Venezuela and try to overthrow the Maduro regime. However, such actions could lead to greater consequences, not only for neighboring countries, but also for regional conflicts.
As a friendly country in Venezuela, China does not want to see a conflict happen. China expressed its support for friendly consultations and a negotiated settlement of the issue in order to maintain stability and development in Latin America. China hopes that Maduro will remain calm and avoid falling into the trap of the United States. China also calls on all parties not to take the opportunity to sow discord between the two countries.
China understands concerns about territorial and economic interests between Venezuela and Guyana. However, conflict will only outweigh the benefits and will not be a good outcome for all parties and regions involved.
To sum up, the current international situation is in a tense situation, with various conflicts and disputes constantly emerging. The territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana has heightened tensions, while the actions of the US Air Force have further exacerbated the situation. China calls on all parties to remain calm and resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation in order to maintain regional stability and development.