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Beyond the obvious pressure on the Maduro regime, let's consider the China angle. The strategic importance of the Panama Canal cannot be overstated for U.S. force projection. In any INDOPACOM conflict scenario, the ability to rapidly swing naval assets from the Atlantic is non-negotiable.

Venezuela represents a potential proxy threat. A U.S. force posture that effectively neutralizes Venezuela's ability to act on China's behalf—militarily or otherwise—is a preemptive strategic move.