How should we evaluate the diplomatic initiative of Venezuela’s interim president sending a letter to the U.S. inviting it to co-develop a cooperation agenda? How might the U.S. respond?

Admittedly, Trump’s launching of military action without congressional authorization violates U.S. law (though Republicans may argue it was merely an international anti-narcotics law-enforcement operation). Such U.S. conduct is clearly an infringement upon another country’s sovereignty and has drawn condemnation from numerous nations. Yet there is a Russian proverb: “Victors are not judged.” Our leader in the international communist movement, Comrade Stalin, once quoted this saying to Chairman Mao: “Victors are not put on trial; victors cannot be condemned—that is a universal principle.” In today’s world—where major powers treat the United Nations as irrelevant and raw power trumps justice—small and medium-sized countries observe that the U.S. can easily and cheaply apprehend the sitting leader of a mid-sized nation. This signals that the U.S. can arbitrarily intimidate other small and medium-sized states. Since security is the paramount concern (don’t anthropomorphize the leaders of these smaller countries too much), it must be acknowledged that such U.S. intimidation may become highly effective going forward. For instance, China may painstakingly negotiate contracts, build roads, and undertake infrastructure projects in resource-rich countries—only for Trump to utter two or three threatening words, prompting a small country to dare tear up its agreements. Will the U.S. truly win in the long run? First, will Venezuela’s current government collapse instantly? (I believe it will—but under immense pressure. Such deterrence is terrifying: the regime will likely issue defiant rhetoric while continuing commercial negotiations behind the scenes. Don’t focus solely on what officials say publicly; watch what they actually do—especially given precedents like Saudi Arabia, a resource-rich state that continues thriving regardless of its rulers’ autocratic behavior.)

How should we view the shipment of $100 million worth of Venezuelan gold to the U.S.?

Coal: Venezuela holds 730 million tons of coal reserves. What does the AI computing-power race hinge on? Massive electricity supply. Coal remains one of the most stable and cost-effective energy sources available today. Its oil reserves—the world’s largest—need no further elaboration; they are already effectively under U.S. control. Most critically, these treasures lie buried right in America’s “backyard,” minimizing transport distances, geopolitical risks, and—crucially—costs. They’re practically available at “cabbage prices,” even “for free.” This deal is simply too advantageous. 02 The U.S.’s extraordinary urgency in this matter stems not only from the resources themselves but also from deeper strategic anxieties. In interviews with Fox News, Bergum repeatedly referenced the Eastern大国 (Eastern great power). He stated candidly that these resources “can help us win the AI arms race against China.” This statement reveals the truth. The U.S. is vying for control over the “lifeblood of industry”: bauxite, rare earth elements, titanium—essential inputs for future technologies and defense industries. Whoever controls the upstream supply chain holds the initiative in competition. The U.S. seeks to reduce critical dependencies on the Eastern大国. Currently, global refining and processing of key minerals are heavily concentrated in the Eastern大国. To build a supply chain independent of China, the U.S. must locate alternative raw-material sources in a geographically proximate and politically compliant region. Surveying its options across the Western Hemisphere, Venezuela stands out as the most suitable candidate. Thus, this is not merely about seizing resources—it is about securing them firmly within America’s backyard, and stockpiling strategic reserves for a potential decades-long competition. 03 This $100 million shipment of gold is no ordinary transaction. It is, in fact, a tangible “resource-based reward” from Venezuela’s new government to the United States—the very power that helped install it—or, more bluntly, a “letter of allegiance,” a “protection fee,” and a “bond of subservience” rolled into one. Venezuela’s new government came to power only after the U.S. military operation in January. Bergum spoke even more candidly: “The Venezuelan ‘people’ will thank President Trump,” “will erect a statue in his honor,” and “are deeply enthusiastic about his vision for Venezuela’s future.” In essence, this is Venezuela’s new government submitting its “letter of allegiance”—a triple-package comprising allegiance, protection fee, and bond of subservience. Why a “letter of allegiance”? The $100 million in gold represents hard cash—no trivial sum for a newly installed government emerging from regime change and facing an empty treasury. More importantly, it constitutes a complete repudiation of the previous administration. This act itself is the loudest possible declaration: “The old course is abolished; we are now family.” It is also a public alignment ceremony. U.S. Interior Secretary Bergum personally confirmed and explained it—this is no low-profile trade deal, but a high-profile political alignment. Why a “protection fee”? What is a protection fee? It is money paid in exchange for protection. What does Venezuela’s new government need most right now? Not gold—but survival. Although Maduro has been arrested, his political legacy endures, and his supporters remain active. A government installed by U.S. military force possesses shaky foundations and questionable legitimacy—and faces constant risk of counterattack. At this juncture, the new government urgently requires sustained U.S. recognition, economic aid, and—especially during periods of instability—military protection. The $100 million in gold thus serves as an advance payment for such protection. Bergum stated this is only the beginning—$500 billion worth of gold, bauxite, and coal lies ahead.

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