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US-Venezuela conflict

US-Venezuela conflict
The United States attacked Venezuela on January 3, 2026, abducted its leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife and placed them in detention in New York, in what was the most direct US military action in Latin America in nearly four decades.
Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, along with their lawyers at a hearing in New York City. Image: Jane Rosenberg via Reuters
Nicolas Maduro

Venezuela’s Maduro and wife back in US court, as judge sets 2027 trial date

Defence lawyers to seek dismissal of the drug-trafficking charges for the former president, claiming immunity.

US, Israel war on Iran

Assassinations unleashed under Trump haunt Iran war endgame

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Cuba

More hardship in fuel-starved Cuba, hit by third nationwide blackout this year

China-Latin America relations

Aid for Venezuela, China-Colombia ties: 7 Latin America relations reads

From Argentina’s move towards Beijing to Lula’s beef deal, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in June 2026.

A Brazilian rescuer works in the aftermath of earthquakes in Venezuela. Photo: Reuters
US-China relations

Open Questions | Sun is setting on US dominance of the world, Wu Xinbo says

Fudan University expert says while China’s influence grows, US under Trump has lost credibility and its ability to drive international action has stagnated.

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Venezuela

Over 100 Venezuelans deported from US missing after quakes level hotel

Their flight landed just hours before the disaster. Their families are searching for answers amid a soaring death toll.

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Natural disasters

Venezuelan boy pulled alive from rubble 3 days after deadly quakes

Residents clawed away rubble from collapsed buildings in search of survivors, amid public outrage over the government’s response.

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A US military helicopter takes off after delivering humanitarian aid in La Guaira, Venezuela, on Saturday. Photo: AP
Venezuelan crisis

In Venezuela, China’s oil-for-loan deals run into huge US-led debt restructuring

Beijing’s influence in Caracas seen fading, with Washington controlling Venezuela’s oil revenues and debt overhaul, potentially triggering a stand-off.

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Natural disasters

Venezuela twin quakes death toll hits 235 as rescuers comb rubble for survivors

Thousands are missing and many feared dead after the country was hit by two of the strongest tremors in over a century.

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United States

As Venezuela reels from earthquake disaster, a test for new US relationship

Washington’s swift disaster response clearest indication yet of how relationship with Caracas has evolved, but bigger challenges lie ahead.

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People walk and ride past collapsed structures and debris following an earthquake in Catia La Mar, Venezuela, on Wednesday. Photo: AFP
War and conflict

Opinion | 8 takeaways from the US-Iran war

From the rise of devastating asymmetric warfare to the crumbling of the US maritime hegemony and alliances, the war offers food for thought.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
China-Latin America relations

US targets Cuba mining sector to block use of China-linked supply chains

Washington revealed sanctions on foreign-backed mining ventures on Tuesday, which Havana slammed for being ‘dishonest and mendacious’.

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Americas and the Caribbean

Mexico seeks to restart oil shipments to energy-starved Cuba

President Claudia Sheinbaum plans to resume critical fuel deliveries using commercial firms that have permits.

Americas and the Caribbean

Under US pressure, Cuba unveils largest economic reform in decades

National Assembly votes unanimously to approve dozens of reforms aimed at opening up the struggling island’s economy.

A man works on a classic American car in Havana. The communist island has unveiled its most profound free-market reforms in decades. Photo: AP
Donald Trump

Trump says ‘swift and lethal’ US strike kills leader of Venezuelan prison gang

Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores’ Tren de Aragua has been labelled by the US as a terrorist organisation.

A screen grab from a video posted by US President Donald Trump on Friday shows what he says is a deadly strike on the leader of Tren de Aragua. Photo: Truth Social/AF
China-Latin America relations

US targets Cuba oil giant as Beijing and Havana deepen party ties

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announces sanctions on Union Cuba-Petroleo after Havana and Beijing hold positive bilateral talks.

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US-Cuba relations

Summer most likely window for US attack on Cuba, Chinese defence tech firm says

Using tracking data and AI, Jingan Technology suggests ‘decapitation’ operation more probable than full-scale invasion.

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China-Latin America relations

China says US ‘invented’ terrorism charges to justify Cuba blockade

Foreign ministry rebutted Marco Rubio’s claim that Cuba sponsors terrorism and demanded an end to US sanctions on the island.

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A portrait of former Cuban leader Raul Castro is seen in Havana, as Cuba grapples with economic hardship and renewed pressure from Washington. Photo: Reuters
China-Latin America relations

Opinion | China’s economic inroads in Latin America are hitting political walls

China’s economic gains in the Americas are real, but Donald Trump’s return to the White House shows that political success is another story.

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Cuba

Cuba receives shipment of rice donated by China as US squeezes island

Beijing reinforces ties through ‘the largest food aid’ in recent years as Cuba reels under economic crisis.

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China-Latin America relations

US casts Cuba as China-linked security threat while still pushing for talks

Washington portrays Havana as a national security risk tied to Beijing and Moscow while insisting diplomacy remains possible.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the media before boarding his plane at Homestead Air Base in Miami on Thursday. Photo: AP
China-Latin America relations

US charges Raul Castro as Trump administration ratchets up pressure on Cuba

Historic murder charges against 94-year-old former leader mark the first time Washington has criminally pursued a Castro brother.

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Former Cuban president Raul Castro attends a May Day rally in Havana, Cuba, on May 1. Photo: Reuters
China-Latin America relations

US plans to charge Raul Castro increases Trump administration’s pressure on Cuba

US Justice Department preparing to indict ageing Cuban leader on Wednesday over the shooting down of two aircraft three decades ago.

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United States

Trump says Cuba is seeking help, will hold talks

Trump had threatened that Cuba was ‘next’ after the US military seized ‌the leader of long-time Cuban ally Venezuela earlier this year.

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China-Latin America relations

US targets Cuba nickel operation in move affecting China-linked supply chains

Marco Rubio revealed sanctions on Thursday, escalating Trump administration’s pressure campaign against Havana’s military-controlled economy.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions on Thursday against Moa Nickel SA, a joint venture between Sherritt International and Cuba’s state-owned General Nickel Company. Photo: Xinhua
US-China relations

China’s study of Ukraine, Iran wars could sharpen Taiwan propaganda tactics

Beijing’s study of Iran, Ukraine wars could help hone its ability to wage information warfare against the US during a Taiwan Strait crisis.

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US experts say that China could potentially weaponise social media during a Taiwan Strait conflict and spread disinformation. Photo: Shutterstock
China-Latin America relations

Beijing backs Cuba, Chile reveals smuggling ring: Latin America relations reads

From a smuggling ring in Chile to rare earth wrangling in Brazil, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in April 2026.

China-Latin America relations

Senate vote leaves Cuba’s uncertain future at dangerous crossroads

US Democrats failed on Tuesday in another attempt to limit Donald Trump’s authority to use military force against Cuba, so what’s next?

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