For over a century, the South Pacific and Caribbean have been Washington’s backyard. But now, a Chinese hospital ship — the CNS Silk Road Ark — is making its way into these contested waters. Officially, it’s a goodwill mission. Unofficially, the timing couldn’t be sharper: U.S. warships face off with Venezuela, strikes have already killed Venezuelan nationals, and Maduro is rallying troops against “regime change.” Meanwhile, China, Venezuela’s biggest lender and oil buyer, is quietly in the mix. Is Beijing sending a message? Palki Sharma tells you.
