A commentary video by YouTuber Cyrus Janssen (“Why Trump’s Venezuela War is a Gift to China”) argues that tougher US actions in Venezuela could unintentionally strengthen China—not by giving Beijing more Venezuelan oil, but by reshaping global perceptions and incentives. Janssen cites remarks he attributes to former US ambassador Michael McFaul, suggesting that if Washington is seen as acting outside international norms, more countries may lean toward China as a comparatively “rules-abiding” power (source: YouTube – Cyrus Janssen, “Why Trump’s Venezuela War is a Gift to China”).
The video also references a warning attributed to Senator Chris Murphy following a classified briefing, describing US plans as unusually far-reaching and potentially destabilising (source: YouTube – Cyrus Janssen, “Why Trump’s Venezuela War is a Gift to China”). On energy, Janssen claims China is highly energy self-sufficient and that Venezuelan crude represents only a small portion of China’s imports, arguing that even disruptions would be manageable (source: YouTube – Cyrus Janssen, “Why Trump’s Venezuela War is a Gift to China”). He further suggests that if Venezuelan supply increases on global markets, lower prices could benefit Chinese refiners and consumers rather than constrain them (source: YouTube – Cyrus Janssen, “Why Trump’s Venezuela War is a Gift to China”).
Framed as a broader geopolitical warning, the video’s central thesis is that coercive US policy—paired with high-profile rhetoric—could accelerate a shift toward multipolar alignment, with China positioned to gain influence through trade, investment and institutional participation (source: YouTube – Cyrus Janssen, “Why Trump’s Venezuela War is a Gift to China”).
