Rubio says Venezuela threatens the US and is governed by ‘drug trafficking’

This Wednesday, he used his hearing to accuse China of ignoring its responsibilities, of “lying and hacking to gain its place as a superpower.”

For him, not only is the world order obsolete. “But it is an instrument against the USA,” he said. “We are called to create a free world out of chaos. It will not be easy,” he said. He promised to put American interests at the center of his administration, not the preservation of world order.

“Our Hemisphere”

Jim Risch, Republican senator from Idaho who presided over the hearing, warned that “enemies” are trying to weaken the US and criticized Joe Biden’s government. “Allies question us and enemies think they have a free hand. But that’s over,” he said. For him, China is the biggest risk for the US, with Beijing questioning it everywhere, including in Latin America. The region was called by him as “our hemisphere”.

Rick Scott, a Republican senator from Florida, said Rubio is the “perfect man” to lead Trump’s diplomacy. “He knew the suffering of socialism since he was little”, he said. For him, Rubio will be “fundamental” in “promoting democracy” in Latin America. He also recalled that the nominee worked with Trump to “punish communist regimes”, including Cuba, China, Venezuela and Nicaragua.

Iranians and Russians in Venezuela

Rubio also confirmed that he will adopt a tough line with other countries in the region. “Venezuela is governed by a drug trafficking organization,” he said. According to him, President Joe Biden was manipulated by Nicolás Maduro, when negotiating the end of sanctions, in exchange for free elections. “Now, Chevron is helping Venezuelan coffers,” he lamented.