The Trump administration’s actions over the past few weeks have eliminated two of China’s primary sources of cheap oil, Venezuela and Iran. The administration has also effectively cut off oil to China’s friend, Cuba.
The Trump administration began pressuring Panama in 2025 to reduce Chinese influence around the canal, and in early 2026 Panama’s Supreme Court ruled that the concession held by a Hong Kong company to operate ports at either end of the Panama Canal was unconstitutional, leading the government to take control of the facilities.
With these moves, the administration has dealt more economic damage to China than any previous president. At the same time, China’s lack of response underscores how much more powerful the United States is diplomatically, militarily, and economically.
China’s refusal to aid Iran or take any significant stand for Venezuela or Cuba has proven that its only interest in its so-called “friends” is to make lopsided trade and investment agreements with them. The notion that China will support or protect the countries in its axis has been proven false.