* Trump-Xi summit prep intensifies amid Venezuela oil restrictions Small Hands said at Latin America summit March 7: “We’re barring Russia, China, Iran from Venezuela oil operations — they have no business there.”
* Latin summit focused on countering China influence in Western Hemisphere.
* Venezuela oil exports to China halted post-Maduro capture Jan 3.
* Speculation: Restrictions give Small Hands leverage over China pre-summit.
* Venezuela: Interests in regaining oil revenue; influence from China/Russia cut. Take: Small Hands bars China from Venezuela oil. Summit leverage play.
* China sees opportunities in Trump’s ‘spheres of influence’ push Wang Yi said in Lavrov call March 1: “US actions violate international law; we must preserve cooperation with Venezuela, Cuba.”
* China reassesses Venezuela investments post-US raid.
* Trump revives Monroe Doctrine for Western Hemisphere dominance.
* Speculation: China exploits US focus on Americas to expand in Asia/Africa.
* Cuba/Venezuela: Interests in Chinese economic lifelines; influence weakened by US pressure. Take: China finds risks/opportunities in Small Hands’ spheres. Multipolar gains.
* Iran war disrupts Trump-Xi talks; China buys time Small Hands said March 1: “Iran will be hit very hard; we’re sinking their navy.”
* US-Israel strikes cripple Iran nuclear/missile sites; Khamenei dead.
* China evacuates 3,000+ citizens; condemns as “aggression.”
* Speculation: War bolsters Small Hands’ position; China cautious pre-summit.
* Iran: Interests in survival; influence on China/Russia for support. Take: Iran war rocks Trump-Xi talks. Small Hands from “strength.” China waits.
