The US capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro is a setback for China in not just South America, but the South Pacific, according to Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata. KHJ News Washington DC correspondent Matt Kaye reports…
Congresswoman Amata on House Foreign Affairs, says capturing strongman Maduro interrupted China’s efforts in Venezuela and by extension will affect others…
Play Audio
Amata “China has been active in the South Pacific along with South America and elsewhere. China has invested in a route, sort of a shipping highway, crossing the sea right at American Samoa’s doorstep to their superport investment in Chancay, Peru — and Venezuela was a big part of their plans due to their resources and being a foothold south of the U.S.”
And China Select Committee Chair John Moolenaar argues China’s Xi Jinping could not save ally Maduro from defeat.
As for Maduro’s oil China imported, George Mason University Asia expert Gerrit Vanderwees had this:
Play Audio
Vanderwees “If that is cut off by the United States, which is much easier to do now, then the US can exert more pressure on China.”
Amata meantime sees the Western Hemisphere extending as far as American Samoa, so Venezuela and anything that matters to U.S. security, impacts the South Pacific as well.
Even more reason for a permanent Coast Guard cutter base in American Samoa…
Play Audio
Amata “It would signal US commitment to our neighbors, as China continues its strategy crossing our region to South America. And it would challenge IUU fishing.”
Congresswoman Amata says she’s been invited by the Speaker to meet, along with other Republican Members, with the President this week to hear more about developments in Venezuela.
She says Venezuela’s people have the God-given right to live in freedom from dictatorship and will have their chance to begin rebuilding the security, stability and prosperity of their country.
