"Of all countries, China should appreciate the need to stop Mr. Maduro from smuggling these illicit drugs into the U.S., killing tens of thousands of Americans. China experienced this in the Opium War of 1839-1842, when Great Britain forced opium on China, despite government protestations, resulting in the humiliating Treaty of Nanjing, ceding Hong Kong to Great Britain. Mr. Maduro was violating U.S. laws, in a conspiracy to aid enemies and kill innocent Americans."
"The meeting will also offer an opportunity of the two presidents to elaborate on those transnational issues that the U.S. and China can work together on, for the common good. The National Security Strategy of 2025 states that deterring a conflict over Taiwan is a priority and does not support any unilateral change to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. It also states that one-third of global shipping passes annually through the South China Sea and its implications for the U.S. economy are obvious."
China criticized the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as blatant interference and a violation of international law. Maduro was accused of conspiring with Colombian guerrillas to traffic cocaine into the United States in a narco-terrorism scheme. China's Opium War history is cited to argue China should support efforts to stop drug trafficking. The U.S. response is described as swift and militarily effective. An April meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi is framed as an opportunity to ease tensions over the South China Sea and Taiwan. The 2025 National Security Strategy prioritizes deterring conflict over Taiwan and notes the South China Sea's economic importance.
Read at The Cipher Brief
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