(EnergyAsia, February 28, 2026, Saturday) — China suffered a double blow to its energy security and global credibility when the U.S. captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3. In ending his nearly 13-year tight grip on Caracas, the U.S. has regained some of its previous influence over the energy-rich Latin American country while dealing a major blow to China’s expansion plans in the region.