Aamon Blair, a former intelligence analyst and fellow with the Texas Public Policy Foundation, recently shared his concerning analysis on the troubling alliance between Venezuelan cartels and the Chinese government with Lara Logan on the WarRoom.
Blair’s remarks highlighted a complex and growing threat that extends beyond traditional geopolitical conflicts and directly impacts U.S. national security and border integrity.
Blair’s analysis begins with a historical perspective, tracing the origins of this dangerous alliance back to the late 1990s when Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez formed strategic partnerships with Iran and Cuba.
“This network has since expanded to include Russia and China, making Venezuela a hub in a broader asymmetrical warfare strategy against the United States,” Blair explained. He warned that these adversaries have not been passive in their approach, but rather have been exploiting American vulnerabilities with increasing aggression.
According to Blair, the collaboration between Venezuela and China is not a new phenomenon but has intensified over recent years. He pointed to a significant increase in Venezuelan migrants at the U.S. southern border as evidence of this shift. In 2017, there were approximately 2,600 Venezuelan apprehensions; by 2023, this number had skyrocketed to 334,000. “This surge reflects a growing crisis in Venezuela, driven by the collapse of Maduro’s regime and exacerbated by open border policies,” Blair noted.
He emphasized that while many Venezuelans are fleeing genuine hardships, the situation is being manipulated by criminal elements.
Blair highlighted that the Venezuelan government’s decision to empty its prisons has had far-reaching consequences. Released inmates, including members of organized crime groups, have infiltrated the U.S. through established smuggling networks.
“The Venezuelan government has used this ‘political theater’ to position cartel leaders for global influence,” Blair said. He explained that these criminals have become part of a more extensive transnational network, with direct ties to Mexican cartels.
The Mexican cartels, particularly the violent CJNG cartel, have played a crucial role in facilitating this infiltration. Blair asserted, “The Mexican cartel has really already built a Silk Road for them,” referring to the established smuggling routes and networks that facilitate the movement of both people and illicit goods across borders. This infrastructure not only supports the cartels but also enables the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to advance its interests within the United States.
Blair’s analysis paints a grim picture of the current situation, where the CCP has effectively weaponized Mexican cartels as proxies in their broader strategy of unrestricted warfare against the U.S. “The Chinese have weaponized Mexican cartels and used them as proxies in their unrestricted warfare on the United States,” Blair warned. This alliance represents a coordinated effort by multiple adversaries to undermine U.S. security and stability, leveraging both criminal enterprises and geopolitical strategies.
The implications of Blair’s discussion are profound, affecting not just border security but also the safety and integrity of American communities.
His call to action underscores the need for a comprehensive and robust response to these emerging threats. As geopolitical dynamics shift and adversaries exploit new strategies, understanding and addressing these complex challenges is crucial for maintaining national security and safeguarding the nation’s future.
To learn more, watch the following WarRoom segment from Thursday featuring Logan and Blair’s conversation:
