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Comment by vdupras | Hacker News Reader

Thank you for articulating this outside of the regular "HN myopia" lenses.

This event will also serve as a measure of how strong China actually is. Venezuela is very important strategically for them, they can't let it slide unless they're weak.

Surely, they won't go as far as direct US confrontation, but if they don't make Venezuela into a death trap for any US soldier being stationed there, one can draw the conclusion that China isn't as strong as many make them (including me, I confess).

But it wouldn't be that surprising if Venezuela turns out being a death trap for any US soldier being stationed there...

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Swap China for Russia/Iran and Venezuela for Syria/Yemen if you want an idea how that plays. Spoiler: not well for the proxies.

Without some sort of underlying religious ideology to neutralize being concerned about the likely outcome of hellfires dropped on you from 20k feet if you kill American soldiers, I can’t see many stepping up.

In this scenario, why should Venezuelans fighting against US occupiers be labeled as "proxies" for anyone.

Even if they are aided by others, they would still be fighting for THEIR freedom, in THEIR land.

(distinguishing the good guys from the baddies becomes easier, when you strip away the fluff)

Because that's the definition of a proxy

No it isn't.

A "proxy" is someone who primarily serves someone elses interests first. Their own interests are subservient to that (if they come in at all).

Venezuelans who may end up fighting for Venezuelan freedom to rule themselves as a soveriegn free nation, with the right to fully benefit from THEIR own natural resources, are NOT proxies of anyone. Regardless of who helps them.

When you're a closet imperialist who thinks nothing of stealing other peoples land, resources, dignity & even lives, then everyone opposing you starts to look like a terrorist, an insurgent or a proxy.

The issue isn't them. Its you.

Then there are no proxies because everyone serves their own interests first

> This event will also serve as a measure of how strong China actually is.

Chinese intervention in Venezuela is a suicide mission by every rule of warfare. You are surrounded, you have no supply line and you can't amass your material at the front since America is already there.

That is why I specifically wrote the words "they won't go as far as direct US confrontation". I refer to China-sponsored guerilla warfare.

So, be specific. Do you think Chinese cargo planes are airdropping firearms and ammunition? Supporting the rear with food and water?

Sending money is nice but Venezuela is blockaded.

I don't know, I guess there's all kinds of tricks. It's not as if US presence made the territory magically impervious to everything. Last time, weather balloons fooled the US military good enough.

I mean, the US can't even keep migrants from illegally crossing their borders with dangerous drugs. Are you really making the case that as soon as the US have boots on the ground, that Venezuela's borders are a 100% secure? America, fuck yeah!

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