Over the past week, PresidentDonald Trumphas made a series of statements and decisions that signal a dramatic shift in American foreign policy — from global leadership toterritorial expansion.
From declaring US control overVenezuela, to openly stating “one way or another, we’re going to haveGreenland,” Trump has removed any doubt about his ambitions toexpand America’s footprint. His administration’s military operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of PresidentNicolás Maduro, stunned the world and bypassed bothCongress and international law.
China was quick to respond. Beijing condemned the US action as“bullying” and a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty, using language normally used by Washington when criticising China. The message was clear: if the US can topple governments and seize leaders, then its lectures about sovereignty lose credibility.
This is whereTaiwanenters the picture.
China has long claimed Taiwan as its own and has vowed to bring it under Beijing’s control — by force if needed. Until now, China has hesitated, fearing a strong international response. But Trump’s actions in Venezuela have changed that calculation.
If Washington can invade a country, arrest its leader, and talk openly about taking over foreign territory,what stops China from doing the same to Taiwan?
Trump frames expansion asreclaiming what America “lost”:
Venezuelaholds some of the world’s largest oil reserves
Greenlandhas rare earth minerals and a vital Arctic military location
Colombia, which Trump has also mentioned, is rich in resources and strategic influence
He has also proposed boosting US defence spending to$1.5 trillion by 2027, a 50% jump — aligning military power with territorial ambition.
At home, these moves have boosted Trump’s political standing. His base cheers the show of force, and foreign action distracts from domestic troubles.
Beijing has invested heavily in Venezuela and lost influence after Maduro’s capture. Chinese state media now portray the US as running a“plunder-based international order.”
PresidentXi Jinpinghas spoken of a world sliding into the“law of the jungle.”This rhetoric isn’t just propaganda — it helps China justify its own ambitions, especially regarding Taiwan.
Chinese analysts and social media users are already asking:
If the US can seize Venezuela, why can’t China reclaim Taiwan?
Taiwan is central to Xi’s vision of China’s “great rejuvenation.” Military drills around the island have increased, and Beijing has openly said reunification is inevitable.
Experts warn Trump’s behaviour has weakened the global case for defending Taiwan. If international law looks optional for the US, it becomes harder to rally the world against China if it strikes.
